UAB and the American Red Cross will host an after-Christmas blood drive from Monday, Jan. 5 to Friday, Jan. 9.  The first drive of 2009 is intended to help prevent the usual post-holiday blood shortage and to promote a healthy lifestyle.

The drive will run from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Jan 5-9, in the second floor lobby of the North Pavilion of UAB Hospital, 18th Street and 6th Ave. Blood donors need a photo ID when donating.

The new drive will feature a health and wellness theme.  UAB’s EatRight program, the Campus Recreation Center and the Employee Wellness program will have staff on hand to offer tips on how donors can make changes in their lifestyle for a healthier 2009.

More than 80 percent of the blood used in Jefferson County is collected elsewhere in the state or in other states. UAB Hospital alone uses on average 700 units of blood each week. It is ranked in the top five of hospitals supplied by the Red Cross, making it one the nation’s largest users of blood products. Blood products are used during surgery, transplantation, trauma care, difficult pregnancies and cancer treatment. It is not unheard of for a single patient to require as many as 100 units.