KCRA 3 is teaming up with Vitalant for the annual Blood Drive for Life, which for 2025 is taking place on Jan. 8-11 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. All eligible donors are strongly encouraged to make appointments ahead of time online here. You should be healthy before going to donate blood. Walk-ins are also accepted. Blood type O and platelets are especially needed. KCRA 3 has been a partner for the blood drive for 24 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. Your donation will help people with experiences like Aaron Bailey's. The father of two and teacher from Kelseyville, California, received multiple infusions while being treated for cancer. "My experience changed my life in a profound way," he says. "I've learned to appreciate the small things in life and see any challenge is never impossible to overcome." Bailey is now a Vitalant Blood Drive coordinator. Here’s what else to know about the 2025 blood drive. Where and when are the blood drives taking place? First location: Sierra College (in the cafeteria): 5100 Sierra College Boulevard, Rocklin, 95677When: Jan. 8-10 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Jan. 11 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.Second location: Scottish Rite Masonic Center: 6151 H Street, Sacramento When: Jan. 9-10 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.How can I sign up?Click here to make an appointment. 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 healthy, 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 who are 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 its 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 like with trauma patients. About 1 in 7 hospital patients receive a blood transfusion, Vitalant says.Are there giveaways for blood drive participants?Yes, you’ll get a special, '90s-themed T-shirt (redeemable by email). You'll also get a ticket for free admission to the Sacramento International Sportsmen’s Expo, while supplies last. The expo takes place Jan. 16-19 at Cal Expo.Something else special this year is that all donors who give blood between Jan. 8-31 will be entered into a Vitalant drawing for a chance to win one of three $10,000 gift cards. What if I have more questions about the blood drive? You can visit vitalant.org/eligibility or call 877-258-4825.