January has been designated National Blood Donor Month to raise awareness of blood donation during the time of year when blood supplies often fall to their lowest levels.  Donations traditionally decline during the post-holiday season, due to busy schedules and inclement weather which can prevent people from keeping donation appointments.  At the same time, the need for blood remains constant in the early months of the year.
Giving blood is a way to support the community by helping to ensure that a stable inventory is available for premature babies, cancer patients, or the many people who are involved in accidents or who suffer from illnesses which may require transfusions.  National Blood Donor Month not only honors those who give blood each year, but is also a time to educate and encourage new donors about the importance of giving blood.  Blood has a shelf life of only 42 days, and therefore, must continually be replenished.  Donors can give blood every 56 days, or up to six times a year.
Cottonwood Community Blood drive is January 23, 2024 at the Auxiliary Gym located at 509 Church Street in Cottonwood.  Appointment times are 12:30 am to 6:00 pm.  If you would like an appointment you can call Brenda Kaschmitter at 208-962-2112 or go online at http://www.vitalant.org/
This year, you can make a difference.  All it takes is your willingness to help someone in need and a pint of your blood.  Any healthy person age 17 (or age 16 with a signed parental consent) or older and weighing at least 110 pounds may be eligible to donate blood.  Valid identification is required for all blood donations.