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BELLEFONTE -- The Centre County Commissioners have proclaimed January as National Blood Donor Month in the county.
Due to the poor weather on Tuesday, those who were invited to receive the proclamation were unable to safely make the trip.
Commissioner Mark Higgins read out the proclamation in their stead.
"In times of crisis, people of Centre County come together to care for one another. This humanitarian spirit is part of the foundation of our community and is exemplified by American Red Cross volunteers and donors," said Higgins.
January 2024 marks the 54th anniversary of National Blood Donor month, celebrated as a time to recognize the importance of giving blood and platelets while recognizing the life-saving impact donations have on those in need.
According to the proclamation, the Red Cross provides around 40 percent of the nation's blood supply -- with someone needing blood every two seconds in the United States.
The Red Cross declared an emergency blood shortage earlier this month, noting that they're experiencing "the lowest number of people giving blood in the last 20 years."
According to a press release, the number of people donating has fallen by around 40 percent nationwide within the last two decades, and that decrease has had a dramatic impact on the availability of blood throughout the country.
"The essential contributions of the Red Cross donors in Centre County give hope to accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease," said Higgins.
The proclamation encourages Centre County citizens to observe January as National Blood Donor month, and hopes to support the Red Cross in its humanitarian mission.
"(This proclamation) is a good reminder of the importance of donating blood as frequently as we're able to. I think there will probably be a number of blood drive opportunities locally over the next month or so," said Commissioner Amber Concepcion.
Commissioner Steven Dershem echoed the comments made, "You said it very well. It's a gift of life."
The Red Cross and the National Football League (NFL) are partnering together in 2024, urging individuals to donate with a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LVIII. You can learn more at redcrossblood.org/SuperBowl.
For information on blood drives near you, go to redcrossblood.org/give and type in your zipcode.