January is National Blood Donor Month

January is National Blood Donor Month. President Richard Nixon declared January as National Blood Donor Month in 1970.

Here are some facts about Blood donations:

• Approximately 6.8 million individuals donate blood in the U.S. annually. Although an estimated 38% of the population is eligible, less than 10% actually donate.
• AB positive blood donors are universal donors of plasma. Only 3% of people in the U.S. have AB positive blood.
• A single donation can potentially help more than one patient.
• Most donated red blood cells must be used within 42 days of collection.
• Approximately 36,000 units of red blood cells and 7,000 units of platelets are needed every day in the U.S.
• A healthy blood donor can donate red blood cells every 56 days or double red cells every 112 days. In addition, a healthy donor may also donate platelets as few as 7 days apart, but no more than 24 times per year.

Blood donation appointments can be made by downloading the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or to receive more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients.

Looking for something to do this weekend:

~ Jan 20th 10am to 3pm Women in Business. Each year the NC Business & Professional Womens Clubs holds a Womens Enlightment and Enrichment (WEE) event. For more details, contact Barbara Bozeman: ncjoiningforces@gmail.com

~ HealthHabit Natural Foods and Fine Wines will host a charity wine tasting at the Paramount Theatre on Saturday, January 20 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

~ Jan 21st, Paramount Theatre Foundation Presents the Malpass Brothers with the World Premier of Heading Home Tickets are $15 – $20 each. 919-583-8432

~ Teen Gaming event for ages 13 through 18 will be held at the Goldsboro Library  from 2pm to 3:30pm. Snacks included. FREE 919-735-1824

~ Genealogy Workshop will take place from 9am to 4pm at the Gov. Charles B. Aycock Birthplace in Freemont. 919-242-5581

~ Jan 22nd Lego Club for Children in grades kindergarten through fifth grade. At the Goldsboro Library from 6pm to 7pm. Free 919-735-1824

~ Jan 23rd Battle of the Books practice sessions will take place at Steele Memorial Library in Mount Olive from 6pm to 7:0pm Free. 919-299-8105

~ Jan 23rd Escape room for adults will take place at the Steel Memorial Library in Mount Olive from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. Free 919-299-8105

~ Jan 23rd Pokemon events for all ages will be held at the Goldsboro Library from 6pmti 9pm Free. 919-735-1824

~ Cook up a Good Time event will be held at the Goldsboro Library from 6pm to 7pm for youths. Free 919-735-1824

~ Jan 25th Escape room for Teens ages 10-17. Free. 919-299-8105 At the Steele Memorial Library in Mount Olive

~  Craft Club at At the Steele Memorial Library in Mount Olive Free. 919-299-8105

~ Astralis Chamber Ensemble concert will be held at the Hazel Waters Kornegay Assembly Hall at the University of Mount Olive at 7:30pm.Free. For more information contact Frank Gloss at wgross@umo.edu.