The Rock River Valley Blood Center (RRVBC) is celebrating National Blood Donor Month and raising awareness about the national and local blood shortage during the month of January. The RRVBC is asking individuals to go for Two in 2022, calling on individuals from the region to donate blood at least twice in the upcoming year.

The challenge, which is part of National Blood Donor Month, is being supported by blood centers across the country. It’s a particularly critical issue this year, with the country under a blood shortage.

Traditional blood drives have taken a hit in the past two years, as Covid-19 restrictions kept many people from donating. But if every eligible donor makes two donations in 2022, the current blood shortage would be over.

“During National Blood Donor Month we want to thank our current donors for their lifesaving support and urge everyone, even new donors, to commit to the challenge of at least two donations a year,” said Heidi Ognibene, Chief Operating Officer at the Rock River Valley Blood Center. “The need for blood is critical, so we really would love for donors to make blood donation a habit.”

Blood transfusions are the most frequent procedure performed in hospitals, and it takes more than 33,000 donations each day to meet the need nationwide, according to ADRP, an international division of America’s Blood Centers. That’s because one out of every seven patients entering a hospital needs blood, but fewer than 10 percent of Americans are donors.

Locally, RRVBC needs to see 800 donors per week to supply blood to 13 hospitals in the region. Because blood has a short shelf-life, fresh donations must constantly be collected.

Individuals feeling healthy and well are encouraged to schedule a donation appointment at rrvbc.org, on the myRRVBC app, or by calling 815-965-8751. Walk-ins are also welcome at one of the four RRVBC donor centers in Rockford, Belvidere, or Freeport, or at a mobile blood drive.

Organizations also are encouraged to call about hosting blood drives to help support the community need.

Do your part to save a life this year and make it a point to be a Two in 2022 donor.