January is National Blood Donor Month. American Red Cross, Richmond Ambulance Authority, Richmond Police, Richmond Fire and EMS, Chesterfield County Police, Chesterfield County Fire and EMS, Henrico County Police, and Henrico County Fire and EMS all teamed up for this PSA to encourage the public to join them and donate blood to help first responders save lives.
According to American Red Cross, winter is one of the most difficult times of year to collect enough blood products to meet patient needs. That’s because of, among other things, busy holiday schedules and bad weather often resulting in canceled blood drives. Furthermore, seasonal illnesses such as the flu force potential donors to forgo their blood donations.
A decision to donate your blood can save a life, or even several if your blood is separated into its components — red cells, platelets and plasma.
The Richmond Ambulance Authority held it’s blood drive in honor of EMT Katherine “Kate” Bush who recently passed away. Staff members donated blood in her memory. Her family says she was a always a giver, and donating blood in her name was the perfect way to honor her. We surpassed our goal and even had to turn some walk-ins away because so many committed to donating. We collected enough blood to potentially save 93 lives! You can always consider donating by visiting redcrossblood.org
