Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. January marks Blood Donor Awareness Month, a time to recognize the life-saving impact of blood donors and raise awareness about the constant need for blood and platelet donations.
Donating blood is one of the simplest yet most impactful ways to help those in need. Whether it’s for patients undergoing surgery, cancer treatments, trauma care, or managing chronic illnesses, one donation can save up to three lives.
The winter season often brings a decline in donations due to holidays, travel, and illness, yet the need for blood never slows down. Blood banks nationwide face critical shortages, and blood donations could make all the difference.
As a hematologist, I see patients every day who benefit from blood transfusion. Transfusion therapy is life saving for so many of our patients who suffer from chronic blood diseases that affect their ability to produce their own blood, and I am immensely grateful to all the people who donate. Their generosity allows my patients to thrive and be here with their families and loved ones, which is invaluable.
Amy W. Zhou, MD
Associate Professor of Medicine
How Can We Help?
- Donate: Schedule a blood donation appointment at a local blood bank or donation center.
- Spread the Word: Encourage family, friends, and colleagues to donate.
- Host a Blood Drive: Coordinate with your employer, family, and friends hosting a blood drive via the Red Cross.
Blood donation is an important stitch in the fabric of the American experience, representing our best for the concern of the well-being of others. On behalf of all of my patients needing blood transfusions to survive, we are grateful and appreciate all that you do – a heartfelt thank you.
Morey A. Blinder, MD
Professor of Medicine
When she was a young girl she remembered that her father, who worked at Century Foundry in St. Louis making iron castings, would encourage all of his coworkers to donate blood because his ‘little girl’ needed transfusions from time to time. Ms. Nevitt is now on a monthly transfusion program and reports that “this has changed my life for the better. I am thankful, grateful and so blessed for the people who have donated blood.”
Brief vignette from a patient Shirley Nevitt age 72 with sickle cell disease
Let’s come together to ensure hospitals and patients have the life-saving blood they need. Your donation is a gift of hope, health, and life.
Visit your nearest blood center or learn more about donation opportunities today on the American Red Cross website. (simply enter your zip code to find local drives near you) Every drop counts!