January is National Blood Donation Month. With COVID-19 now surging nationwide, blood donations are vital.

Many blood donation banks are also testing donors for the COVID antibody. If one has contracted COVID-19 and came over it, it is a good idea to go get tested for the antibody. Antibody blood transfusions can completely turn around a serious case of COVID and could save a life.

Even without having the covid antibody, blood donations are still crucial.

There are some requirements to donate blood. Some of the standard ones are: You must be 16 years or older, have a hemoglobin level of at least 12.5/dL for females and 13/dL for males, and finally you must weigh a minimum of 110 pounds. There are other requirements that one must meet before donating but a doctor will go over them before donating.

Want to donate but don’t know where to go? These are all good and trustworthy places to donate, Vitalant, BioLife, and American Red Cross. All of these places also offer covid antibody testing. These organizations will often host blood drives at popular locations around town, such as the mall. 

Blood donations can make a huge difference to people with terminal or severe illnesses. Your donation could save someone’s life. It could also lengthen someone’s life so they can be with their families again. Please take some time to consider donating if you are eligible.