It’s National Blood Donor Month, and here’s how Virginians can help

Give blood in Virginia this National Blood Donor Month.

National Blood Donor Month has arrived. The month is meant to help raise awareness about the ongoing need for blood. In fact, someone in the US needs blood or platelets every two seconds, according to the American Red Cross.

You can either make Whole blood or Power Red donations. Whole blood, which can be used by all blood types, takes about an hour to donate. Donations can be made every 56 days up to six times a year. Alternatively, Power Red donations benefit trauma patients, newborns, and those suffering from blood loss. Ideal blood types for Power Red donation include O positive, O negative, A negative, and B negative. It takes about an hour and a half to donate, with 112 days required between donations.

Given that donations typically decrease during winter months, January is the perfect time to make your donation count. If you’re in Virginia Beach, consider visiting the Virginia Beach Red Cross Blood and Platelet Donation Center at 4554 Virginia Beach Blvd. The center is open seven days a week. Many Virginia Beach community organizations also partner with the American Red Cross—and blood drives happen across the commonwealth, making it easy to donate at one of the events close to you.