BUFFALO, N.Y. — The first month of the new year is also an important one for the health industry.
January is National Blood Donor Month, which is recognized all across the country and here in Western New York.
The American Red Cross says this is a crucial time for people to donate, during the winter months, when sicknesses such as the flu tend to go up.
"The need for blood is critical," said Michael Tedesco, a regional communications director with the Red Cross. "Every donation can save up to three lives, and the Red Cross supplies 40% of the nation's blood supply. That's important because if you look at averages, every two seconds, someone across the country is in need of a blood transfusion."
Throughout the entire month, if you donate blood or try to, you'll be entered in a Super Bowl giveaway.
The winner gets two tickets to the game in Las Vegas, plus three nights of lodging, and you'll get $1,000.