National Blood Donor Month
This January marks the 52nd anniversary of National Blood Donor Month – a time to recognize the importance of giving blood and platelets while celebrating the lifesaving impact of those who roll up a sleeve to help patients in need. It is also a time to encourage new and lapsed donors to give blood during one of the most difficult times to maintain a sufficient blood supply – the winter months.
On December 31, 1969, president of the United States, Richard Nixon signed a proclamation designating January as National Blood Donor Month (NBDM). The monthly observance was meant to honor voluntary blood donors and to encourage more people to give blood at a time when more blood is most needed.
Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Those needs do not diminish during disasters or pandemics, they drastically increase. This year’s National Blood Donor Month comes as the nation’s blood supply has dipped to concerning levels and could force hospitals to delay essential blood and platelet transfusions. Blood donors of all blood types – particularly type O blood – are needed now to give blood or platelets to help meet daily hospital demands.
Interested donors are urged to schedule an appointment by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control.
For more information or to donate, please visit https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive
Sources: https://www.redcrossblood.org/