Colorado lawmakers donate blood to help address a nationwide shortage

Members of the Colorado House and Senate donated blood at the state Capitol amid a nationwide shortage, and the General Assembly officially recognized January as National Blood Donor Month.

Members of the Colorado House of Representatives and the State Senate donated blood at the state Capitol in a coordinated effort on Tuesday. The Red Cross describes giving blood as crucial amid a nationwide shortage. For the first time, the Colorado General Assembly officially recognized January as National Blood Donor Month with a joint resolution reading on the Capitol floor. Lawmakers began a friendly blood drive competition between the two chambers to see which can collect the most donations. Known details: - The Red Cross has described an ongoing nationwide shortage of blood and platelets. - Members of both the Colorado House and State Senate gave blood after a joint resolution recognizing National Blood Donor Month. - The House and Senate are competing in a friendly drive to determine which chamber collects the most donations. - Donors of all blood types are needed, with a particular reported need for type O donors; O-negative is noted as a universal donor type. - Platelets are highlighted as important for stopping bleeding and for cancer patients, and they have a short storage life of about one week. - Vitalant announced a promotion offering donors 26 chances to win $500 through Feb. 8; the report notes blood can be donated every five to six weeks and platelets every two weeks. Summary: The reported purpose of the event is to support supplies amid a national shortage of blood and platelets while raising awareness through the legislature's recognition of National Blood Donor Month. Collection totals and any follow-up plans were not reported; undetermined at this time.