Every day more than 39,000 units of blood are needed to treat patients with life-threatening conditions. Patients undergoing surgery, accident victims, cancer patients, and hemophiliacs are among the many who receive life-saving blood. These patients and their families depend on the generosity of donors to save their lives. I encourage able individuals to volunteer an hour of their time this month to donate at a regional blood center or during local blood donation drives.
Blood donation is important all year but is increasingly important at this time because of critically low blood supplies reported by the American Red Cross during the holiday season when fewer individuals take the time to donate blood. As a result of the decreased donations during the holiday season, many areas are now facing blood shortages that may affect elective surgeries or the amount of blood available to recuperating patients or accident victims.

The American Red Cross, which supplies approximately one-half of the nation’s blood supply, works with more than 4.5 million donors and 3,000 hospitals through its national network to receive nearly six million volunteer donations annually. To donate blood, one must be healthy, at least 17 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds. Persons who are older than 65 and in good health may usually donate with the approval of the blood bank physician. The majority of donors can donate blood as often as every eight weeks. Additionally, the Red Cross reminds donors that donating blood is quick, usually taking less than one hour, relatively pain-free, and safe.

Donations can be made at many locations throughout the Ninth District. Bloodmobiles travel to high schools, colleges, churches and other community organizations. To find a bloodmobile location, call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or visit the American Red Cross online.

Individuals may also contact their local chapters to inquire as to area blood drives. The chapters serving the Ninth District and their phone numbers are:
· Montgomery-Floyd County Chapter: 540.443.3606
· Mountain Empire Chapter: 276.645.6650
· Greater New River Valley Chapter: 540.639.2140
· Martinsville-Henry County Chapter: 276.632.5127 or 276.694.3505 (Stuart office)
· Roanoke Valley Chapter: 540.985.3535

Rick Boucher is Congressman for the 9th District of Virginia, which includes the New River Valley. You can catch his Capitol Commentary regularly at the New River Voice