The American Red Cross is asking people to take part in National Blood Donor Month and resolve to give blood this January.

The American Red Cross always has an urgent need for blood and platelets and donating is a way to make a lifesaving impact in the new year for patients like Judy Janssen, who was diagnosed with end-stage autoimmune liver disease in 2016.

Janssen received frequent blood transfusions — sometimes multiple times a week — until she underwent a liver transplant last January.

“Blood donors make a really big difference with very little effort,” said Janssen, who received dozens of transfusions before and during her transplant surgery. “I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for blood donations.”

There will be three opportuntities to donate blood in Lawrence County; at the First Baptist Church of Proctorville, 627 County Rd 411, from 1-5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, at the South Point High School, 983 County Road 60, from 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Jan. 18 and at the Collins Career Center, 11627 State Route 243 in Chesapeake, from 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Jan. 22.

The critical role of blood and platelet donors has been celebrated each January for nearly 50 years during National Blood Donor Month, which coincides with one of the most difficult times to maintain a sufficient blood supply for patients. Busy holiday schedules, extreme winter weather and seasonal illnesses often impact donor turnout this time of year.

Make an appointment to donate blood or platelets by downloading the free American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).