On December 31st, 1969, President Richard Nixon announced that January 1970 would be the first National Blood Donor Month. This was to honor people who willingly give blood and motivate others to donate. Every year, we continue to celebrate this month to show gratitude to blood donors in the U.S. and to inspire more people to give blood.
But why January? During the winter, holiday celebrations, bad weather, and the cold and flu season often lead to fewer blood donations, increasing the risk of shortages. National Blood Donor Month honors those who donate blood during this crucial period and highlights the need for more donors. Every two seconds, someone in America needs blood. Over 42,000 units of red blood cells, platelets, and plasma are used daily, and we need the supply to keep up with the demand.
What activities can I get involved in for National Blood Donor Month?
The Association for the Advancement of Blood and Biotherapies (AABB) is celebrating the 2024 National Blood Donor Month with activities that show why donating blood is important and how the blood community works to keep the blood supply safe. You can join AABB on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for their National Blood Donor Month events.
What are blood donations used for?
Blood donations are vital for patients needing surgery, cancer treatment, or transfusions after severe injuries. For cancer patients, for example, transfusions can replace platelets lost due to treatments like chemotherapy or radiation. These treatments can damage the bone marrow, which produces blood cells. If the body doesn’t produce enough blood cells, it can cause lasting health issues that affect organs like the kidneys, spleen, and liver.
The Importance of Diversity in the Blood Supply
Maintaining diversity in the blood supply is essential. Some blood types are quite rare and are likeliest to be found among people with shared ancestral origins.
Having a diverse group of blood donors is very important for patient care, especially for those needing frequent transfusions for conditions like Sickle Cell disease and Thalassemia, which mostly affect minority groups. For these patients, it is important to match blood donations from people with similar ethnic backgrounds, not just the blood type. However, less than 20% of all blood donations come from communities of color. This shows the need for more efforts to increase blood donations from these communities.
National and Community Efforts – What Can Be Done?
Community involvement starts with understanding. It’s important for people to know why blood donation matters and clear up any false beliefs. Involving leaders, schools, and churches can help share correct information.
- Overcoming fear: Many people are afraid of needles, unsure about the donation process, or worried about health risks, which can stop them from donating. To build trust, organizations should engage with the community. For example, a blood bank could host an open house where people can tour the facility, meet the staff, and see how donations work. This openness helps ease fears.
- Creating incentives: Incentives motivate people in the community to get involved. These can be physical rewards, like free health check-ups and certificates, or non-physical, like feeling good about helping others. For instance, if a local business sponsors a blood drive and gives donors discounts, both the community and the business benefit.
- Recruiting volunteers: Volunteers are crucial to successful blood donation drives. Getting people in the community to help can organize events, find donors, and offer support. For example, a student blood donation club recruits college volunteers. These students run awareness campaigns, arrange blood drives, and sometimes donate blood themselves.
- Sharing success stories: Sharing stories of successful blood donations in the community boosts pride and motivates others to give. For instance, a local newspaper might highlight regular donors like teachers, firefighters, and grandparents, who explain why they donate. These stories inspire readers to get involved.
- Connect with community events: Connect blood donation drives to community events like festivals or sports tournaments to boost visibility and participation. For instance, a blood bank could bring a mobile unit to a town carnival, allowing families to donate while having fun.
By including people, listening to their concerns, and appreciating their help, a culture of kindness grows, one pint at a time.
Where can I donate blood?
To donate blood, find the nearest blood donation center by checking these resources:
- AABB, previously known as the American Association of Blood Banks, lists accredited centers like American Red Cross locations, hospitals, and other blood centers.
- America’s Blood Centers lists community blood centers located across the United States and Canada.
What are the risks of blood donation?
Donating blood is safe because new, sterile equipment is used for each person, so there’s little chance of getting an infection from giving blood. Most healthy grown-ups can safely donate about a pint, or half a liter, without any health risks. A few days after donating, the body replaces the lost liquids. In two weeks, the lost red blood cells are replenished.
How can I prepare for blood donation?
Before donating blood, several steps should be followed. It’s important to get enough sleep the night before. Eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of water before donating. Check whether any current or recent medications might prevent donation. For example, platelet donors should avoid aspirin for two days before donating. Wearing a shirt or blouse with sleeves that can be rolled up is also helpful.
What happens before a blood donation?
Prior to donating blood, individuals complete a private medical history form. This form asks about activities that might increase the risk of infections spread through blood.
Typically, there will also be a quick physical exam, which includes checking their blood pressure, pulse, and temperature. A small blood sample is taken from a finger prick to check the hemoglobin level, which shows how well the blood can carry oxygen. If their hemoglobin is at a healthy level and they meet the other screening requirements, they can donate blood.
Can everyone be a blood donor?
Not everyone can be a blood donor because of the risk of infections. To donate whole blood, plasma, or platelets, a person must:
- Be in good health.
- Be at least 16 or 17 years old, depending on state law. Some states let minors donate with parental permission. There is no legal upper age limit, but rules might differ by donor center.
- Weigh at least 110 pounds (around 50 kilograms).
- Pass the physical and health history checks.
Eligibility rules can vary slightly depending on the type of blood donation.
What happens to the blood donor during the procedure?
The person sits in a reclined chair with their arm on an armrest. A blood pressure cuff or tourniquet is placed on the upper arm to help fill the veins with blood. The inside of their elbow is then cleaned.
A sterile needle is put into a vein in the arm, connected to a tube and a blood bag. After the needle is in, the person makes a fist to help blood flow. Blood is first drawn for tests, then fills the bag with about a pint. The needle stays in for about 10 minutes. Once done, the needle is removed, and a bandage and dressing are applied.
