Resolve to give the gift of life

The new year always provides poeple with the opportunity to make resolutions for making changes in their lives.
I’ve never been real crazy about resolutions, but it seems like most people break them within weeks, or in some cases days, of making them.
I know we’re already a few weeks into the new year, but there is one resolution I’d like everyone to consider this year. It’s giving the gift of life. 
Specifically, people should consider donating their blood to help others in need.
The Red Cross has issued an urgent call for blood donations during National Blood Donor Month, which is January. There is a shortage of all blood types.
Severe winter weather has had a tremendous impact on blood donations already this year. More than 150 blood drives have been forced to cancel, causing more than 5,500 blood and platelet donations to go uncollected. 
In addition to bad weather, seasonal illnesses, such as the flu, and hectic holiday schedules collectively contributed to more than 28,000 fewer donations than what was needed in November and December.
If you’ve missed an opportunity to donate recently, you’ll want to get to a bloodmobile soon. If you’ve never donated, it’s time to take part in such a life-saving venture.
It’s estimated that 38 percent of the U.S. population is eligible to donate blood at any given time. However, less than 10 percent of that population actually follows through with donating. 
Blood cannot be manufactured. It can only come from generous donors. Right now the greatest need is for Type O negative, Type B negative and Type AB. Type 0 is the blood type that doctors reach for in trauma situations.  
Blood saves lives in emergency situations. Just a single car accident victim can require as many as 100 pints of blood. 
According to the Red Cross, every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. Approximately 36,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day in the U.S. Nearly 7,000 units of platelets and 10,000 units of plasma are needed daily. 
While you consider shedding a few pounds, giving up smoking, spending more time with family, saving more money and paying off debts as some of your new year’s resolutions, let’s make donating blood the top priority. 
Make it your New Year’s resolution to go in hot pursuit of donating blood in 2018. I’m guessing you’ll find that nothing can top the feeling of giving the gift of life, even if it’s to a complete stranger.