Giving blood should be on your to do list during this holiday season. (WJBC file photo)

By IRN/Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – If you have some down time during these holiday weeks, you might want to consider donating blood.
 
“What we see a lot are people who make a point to donate once a year … but it's important to know that people can donate blood every 56 days – about six times per year,” says Ben Corey of the American Red Cross Blood Services Heart of America region. “It's our job to help spread the word that people can donate that many times a year to really help ensure a sufficient blood supply. All throughout the year. Not just once or twice per year.”
 
Corey says the Peoria-based region's territory includes 36 Illinois hospitals, plus some in Iowa and Missouri. His center needs to collect 500 pints a day.
 
While the FDA is moving toward allowing some donations from gay men, the restrictions against people with tattoos and piercings have already eased. Corey says people just need to have had that work done at a licensed establishment.