Did you know that every two seconds in America, someone urgently needs blood? This need extends beyond unexpected emergencies like car crashes, encompassing a wide range of medical treatments such as cancer therapies, cardiovascular and orthopedic surgeries, and organ and bone marrow transplants.
Only three percent of eligible Americans currently donate blood, despite 65 percent of the population being eligible to do so. Additionally, less than 20 percent of blood donations come from individuals in communities of color, and donations from individuals aged 19-24 have declined by nearly 32 percent from 2019 to 2021. This drop is largely attributed to the restrictions imposed on blood drives at school campuses during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Given the current state of blood donations, there is an urgent need for younger, more diverse donors. National Blood Donor Month, celebrated every January, provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of blood donation and to honor those who have already made a life-saving contribution.
The inaugural National Blood Donor Month was proclaimed by President Richard Nixon and held in January 1970, with the aim of acknowledging voluntary blood donors and encouraging more individuals to donate for the first time. Despite the changes that have occurred in the last five decades, the demand for blood remains constant, as does the selflessness of those who answer the call to give.
ABC partners with a wide range of organizations to support and diversify the nation’s blood supply, from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs and HOSA Future Health Professionals to Johnson and Johnson and the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. Through these collaborations, ABC raises awareness about the critical need for blood donation and emphasizes the profound impact it has on saving lives, ensuring the sustained availability of blood products for patients in need across the country.
We are grateful for our many partners in this important work. To have your organization join us in this important work, please contact ABC today.
ABC also expresses our gratitude to all those who regularly donate blood and encourage all those eligible to join them. Such ongoing generosity not only saves lives today but also extends hope for a brighter tomorrow for countless individuals in need. To find your local community blood center, click here.
You can be a part of this important month. Download our complimentary promotional handbook now to access social media images, a infographic of the blood supply, and other resources to promote National Blood Donor Month and the lifesaving importance of blood donation. Together, we can make a difference.