The Community Blood Center (CBC) is urging community members to celebrate National Volunteer Month by donating blood. Between the recent inclement weather and lower donor turnout over the past several weeks, CBC’s blood supply is at a dangerously low level. Eligible blood donors of all blood types are asked to schedule a blood donation appointment immediately and encourage their family and friends to do the same.

CBC is proud to celebrate the many volunteers who help make the work it does possible — from volunteer blood donors, to community members who donate their time to help, and a passionate board of directors. Whether volunteers are sharing their knowledge and expertise to help grow the organization, spending about an hour every eight weeks to save lives, or welcoming donors to their appointments (or maybe all three!), they are playing an instrumental role in ensuring blood is available in our community.

“When someone comes to donate blood, they aren’t doing it for money or special perks. It’s out of the goodness of their heart,” said John Hagins, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Community Blood Center. “We meet so many blood donors who are here to make a lifesaving impact in the community. Some donate because blood saved their life or a loved one’s life. Others, because they want to be sure blood is available for their family, friends and neighbors if ever needed. Regardless of why someone donates blood, it’s their selfless generosity that saves lives.”

There’s no substitute for the blood transfused to a patient. It must come from a volunteer blood donor. CBC asks community members to kick off National Volunteer Month by being a volunteer blood donor — a sure way to make a lifesaving impact in just about an hour.