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January 2023 will mark National Blood Donor Month. This month is set aside each year to recognize individuals that give blood, encourage others to do so, and to educate the public on the benefits and uses of blood donation. Approximately three percent of people in the US will make a donation each year, with the goal of increasing this number considerably to meet the demand. President Nixon first established this national month of recognition in 1970. You can read the original proclamation here.
Blood donation is incredibly important for the treatment of many injuries and illnesses, and has become even more important recently with a limited blood supply. In the US, someone requires a blood donation approximately every 2 seconds. A single blood donation can help 2 or more individuals, particularly because blood can be separated into various components like white and red blood cells.
Blood donation is particularly important for the senior population. Blood transfusions for this age group are the second most common procedure performed in hospitals nationwide. The blood supply is also of particular importance in the treatment of cancer. Approximately 25% of the blood supply is used by cancer patients each year. Other important users of the blood supply include maternity cases, pediatric illness, Sickle Cell disorders, and trauma cases.
According to the American Blood Center, potential blood donors need to be in good health, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be at least 16 or 17 years of age (depending on the state). Blood collection centers will be able to provide you with complete information on your eligibility. People can donate blood approximately once every 8 weeks, with platelet donation possible more frequently.
All blood types are valuable in collection, but type O is the most commonly needed in hospitals. Individuals with type O negative are considered universal donors meaning this type is in very high demand. Only 8% of the US population is type O negative.
The American Blood Center has a very helpful donor reference guide on their website. You can view the guide here. The American Red Cross offers their own guide specifically for first time donors, which you can read here.
You can donate blood in numerous locations across the country. You can easily search for a location via the American Blood Center’s website or find a blood drive with the American Red Cross.
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