KCRA 3 is teaming up with Vitalant for the annual Blood Drive for Life, which for 2024 is taking place on Jan. 3-6 across two locations in Rocklin and Sacramento. Click here to make an appointment. January is designated as National Blood Donor Month because there are usually fewer donors after the winter holidays even though blood is still critically needed. Blood has to constantly be replenished because it’s perishable. Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood and there is no artificial substitute, Vitalant says. | 2024 Blood Drive for Life | Man pays it forward after blood donations help save his lifeCOVID-19 and the cold and flu season all affect blood collection efforts. Vitalant said that it's seeing 20% fewer donors than before the pandemic. And while most people are able to donate blood, only 3% do. All eligible donors are strongly encouraged to make appointments ahead of time online here or by calling 877-258-4825. You should be healthy before going to donate blood. Walk ins will also be accepted. Blood type O and platelets are especially needed. KCRA 3 has been a partner for the blood drive for 23 years. Vitalant says that they aim to have a blood inventory of four to five days but they often experience shortages with just two or fewer days of inventory. | 2024 Blood Drive for Life | Ironman athlete makes donating blood part of his endurance trainingHere’s what else to know about the 2024 blood drive. Where and when are the blood drives taking place? First location: Sierra College (in the cafeteria): 5100 Rocklin Road, Rocklin, 95677When: Jan. 3-5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Jan. 6 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.Second location: YMCA Downtown Sacramento (in the gym): 2021 W. St., Sacramento, 95818When: Jan. 4-5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.How can I sign up?Click here to make a reservation. What do I need to bring to donate blood? How should I prepare for the visit? Bring a photo ID. Drink a lot of water and eat a hearty meal before your donation. Write down the names of any medications you take. Make sure to remember where you have traveled outside the United States. Is there an age limit? There is no upper age limit, but you must weigh at least 110 pounds and be feeling healthy. The minimum age to donate blood is 16, but those that age must have a signed parental consent form available at the blood drive or here. See more information on eligibility here. How long does the process take? The whole process takes about an hour, but the donation itself only takes about 7-10 minutes. What is the blood used for? Vitalant said their blood donations are used to help cancer patients, newborns, sickle cell patients and organ transplant recipients. Donated blood is also used for open-heart surgeries and other situations. About 1 in 7 hospital patients receive a blood transfusion, Vitalant says.Is there a gift for blood drive participants?Yes, you’ll get a special T-shirt (redeemable by email) and bonus points for a $15 gift card from Vitalant's donor rewards store. You'll also get a ticket for free admission to the Sacramento International Sportsmen’s Expo, while supplies last. The expo takes place Jan. 18-21 at Cal Expo.HIV/AIDS risk factorsAll potential donors will be screened to assess the individual risk of HIV, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. See here for a list of risk factors that may require a three-month deferral or longer for the donor. What to know about the donation process if you're transgender.Donations are welcome from eligible doors regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. But the donation registration process for transgender and non-binary donors right now "is not an ideal experience" because of the way the software application is designed, Vitalant says. "We are working with software providers to develop a revised computer application to allow for additional categories for donor registration beyond the current male and female options – including transgender and X – so we can also register donors according to how they identify," Vitalant says. "When developed, the FDA will have to approve it."Learn more here. What if I have more questions about the blood drive? You can visit vitalant.org/eligibility or call 877-258-4825. | 2024 Blood Drive for Life | Former Sacramento area high school football player credits blood donation for saving his life| 2024 Blood Drive for Life | Blood recipient Heather Hoffman is grateful for donors