National Blood Donor Month

Every January, we recognize National Blood Donor Month to honor the selfless individuals who give the gift of life through blood donations. The observance was officially proclaimed by President Richard Nixon on December 31, 1969 and took effect in January 1970. January was chosen because winter months typically see declines in donations due to holiday travel, illness, and weather even though patient needs remain unchanged. Blooddonormonth.org, ImpactLife, the American Red Cross, the Mayo Clinic, and Bloodworks Northwest provide the following information about the importance of blood donations:

Why Blood Donations Matter

Blood and blood products support patients across a wide range of medical situations, such as:

• Trauma and surgery

• Cancer treatments

• Childbirth complications

• Inherited blood disorders, like sickle cell disease

The lifesaving blood components plasma, platelets, red cells, and white cells must be available every day, not just during emergencies.

Blood Supply Facts

• Every 2 seconds, someone in the U.S. needs a blood transfusion.

• Approximately 29,000 units of red blood cells, nearly 5,000 units of platelets, and 6,500 units of plasma are needed daily.

• Around 16 million blood components are transfused each year in America.

• Only about 3% of age-eligible people donate blood annually, even though many more are eligible.

• A car accident victim may require up to 100 units of blood.

• Donated red blood cells must be used within 42 days and platelets within 5 days.

• There are eight blood types that are defined by the presence or absence of antigens A and B and Rh factor protein. These types are A+, A-, B+, B-, O+, O-, AB+, and AB-. Your blood type determines which products you can safely receive.

Types of Blood Donation

Whole Blood Donation

• Most common type of donation where approximately 1 pint of whole blood is collected.

• Can be used as whole blood or separated later into parts.

Apheresis Donation

This method uses a machine to collect specific blood components and return the rest to the donor. Each type serves a unique medical need and helps maximize the impact of every donation.

• Platelet Donation–Small cells required for clot formation are collected for use during cancer treatment and surgery.

• Plasma Donation–Liquid portion containing coagulation factors and antibodies that is used for trauma care and severe burns.

• Red Cell Donation–Two units of red cells are collected for surgical, trauma, and anemic patients needing these oxygen-carrying blood cells.

• Granulocyte Donation–White blood cells are collected to fight infections.

  
  

What to Expect When Donating

Before Donation

• You’ll complete a health questionnaire, have your vital signs checked, and a fingerstick hemoglobin test performed to make sure you are eligible to donate blood.

• Hydrate well and have a light meal prior to arrival.

During Donation

• You will be in a reclining chair with your arm extended for your comfort and to assist with the collection.

• The healthcare provider will insert the collection needle for the procedure.

• Whole blood donation usually takes about 10 minutes of draw time within the 1 hour visit.

• Apheresis procedures take longer, usually up to 2 hours.

After Donation

• Rest briefly and enjoy the refreshments provided.

• Drink lots of fluids for 48 hours after donating.

• Avoid strenuous activity for approximately 24 hours.

• If you feel light-headed, lie down with your feet elevated.

• Adding iron-rich foods to your diet can help restore iron levels.

Final Thoughts

National Blood Donor Month is more than a calendar event—it’s a call to action.

By donating, you help ensure that hospitals have the blood products needed for surgeries, treatments, and emergency care every day. Whether you’re a first-time donor or donate regularly, your contribution supports your community’s health, saves lives, and brings hope to someone in need.

For additional information about health and wellness, please visit NurtureYourWholeSelf.com.