The following is an excerpt of a joint statement issued by America's Blood Centers and the Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies (of which Vitalant is a member) and the American Red Cross.
All healthy, eligible individuals are encouraged to make an appointment to donate blood during the month (of January), as the challenges facing the blood supply are often exacerbated this time of year as icy winter weather and seasonal illness often cause donors to postpone giving.
“This National Blood Donor Month, we honor the exceptional generosity of the nearly 7 million individuals across the nation who selflessly donate blood each year. That simple yet powerful decision is a lifeline for those facing a health crisis or requiring a transfusion for disease management. We encourage all eligible individuals to make a life-saving impact in their community,” said Kate Fry, chief executive officer at America’s Blood Centers.
“This National Blood Donor Month, AABB is proud to join others in the blood community in recognizing and honoring blood donors throughout the country. Their generosity provides life-saving therapies for patients who need it,” said Debra BenAvram, CEO of AABB. “This month is also an ideal opportunity to remind everyone of the power and importance of blood donation; countless patients rely on this essential resource for optimal care.”
“To our nation’s dedicated blood and platelet donors: thank you,” said Chris Hrouda, president of Red Cross Biomedical Services. “Your lifesaving donation provides healing and hope, strengthening the bonds of community that unite us all in the face of uncertainty and suffering. This National Blood Donor Month and always, we praise your generosity, and we invite more individuals to join us in rolling up a sleeve for patients in need.”
President Richard Nixon proclaimed January 1970 as the first National Blood Donor Month on December 31, 1969, as requested by Senate Joint Resolution 154, to pay tribute to voluntary blood donors and encourage individuals to become blood donors. This month continues to be celebrated each year.
Every two seconds, someone in America requires a blood transfusion, with over 42,000 units of red blood cells, platelets, and plasma used by patients each day. These transfusions are essential in treating acute care needs such as trauma, as well as in disease management for patients facing cancer treatment, cardiovascular and orthopedic surgeries, and organ and bone marrow transplants.
The blood community encourages eligible Americans to donate blood during National Blood Donor Month and to make regular donation appointments throughout the year.
Find a local blood collection location and schedule an appointment.
Read the joint news release in its entirety.