01/05/2026
β€οΈ January is National Blood Donor Month β Give the Gift of Life β€οΈ
January is National Blood Donor Month, a dedicated time each year to recognize the lifesaving contributions of volunteer blood donors and to raise awareness about an ongoing critical need in our healthcare system. This observance began in 1970 when President Richard Nixon proclaimed January as National Blood Donor Month to honor donors and encourage more people to give during a time when donations often decline due to holiday travel, winter weather, and seasonal illnesses. οΏΌ
Why blood donation matters
π©Έ Every 2 seconds, someone in the United States needs a blood transfusion β from accident victims and surgical patients to people battling cancer or chronic diseases. οΏΌ
π©Έ Over 42,000 units of blood, platelets, and plasma are used by patients every day in the U.S. οΏΌ
π©Έ Nearly 16 million blood components are transfused annually across the country. οΏΌ
Current donation realities
π©Έ Approximately 65% of Americans are eligible to donate, yet only about 3% actually do. οΏΌ
π©Έ Close to 7 million people in the United States donate blood each year β a remarkable group of individuals making an extraordinary impact. οΏΌ
π©Έ Daily needs in the U.S. typically include 29,000 units of red blood cells, 5,000 units of platelets, and 6,500 units of plasma. οΏΌ
βοΈ Urgent need in January βοΈ
Winter months often bring canceled blood drives and reduced donor turnout due to weather, holidays, and illness β even as demand remains steady. That makes January a critical period for boosting blood collections to ensure hospitals and clinics have the supplies they need. οΏΌ
How you can help
π Make an appointment with your local blood center or the American Red Cross.
π Encourage friends, family, and colleagues to donate.
π Share your donation experience on social media to raise awareness.
A single blood donation can save multiple lives. This National Blood Donor Month, consider giving what only you can give β your blood β and help ensure that lifesaving transfusions are available when patients need them most.
To donate locally, check out The Red Cross or Versiti.
