January is National Blood Donor Month because it is the most difficult month of the year for blood banks across the nation due to lower collections. If every donor who gave once a year gave twice, there would never be a blood shortage. Blood Assurance is asking everyone to “give two in 2022”.

During the first week of National Blood Donor Month, Blood Assurance is experiencing a sharp increase in cancellations due to the Covid-19 omicron variant and winter weather. Since January 1, more than 50 blood drives have not occurred due to inclement weather and the rise in Covid-19 cases.

The cancellations have resulted in a loss of 800 units of blood that would have been supplied to area hospitals.

Mount Vernon Mills in Trion will be hosting a blood drive coming up Thursday, January 27th from 6 AM until 5 PM.  The public is welcome to participate.