
Submitted By: Anastassia Roberts, Intern, American Red Cross
Characterized by time spent with friends and family, drinking hot chocolate, watching festive movies, and making resolutions, the holiday season is truly one of the most wonderful times of the year!
The unfortunate reality is that even during this time of joy and bliss, every two seconds someone in the United States needs a blood transfusion. Blood and platelets are needed for accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer, or sickle cell disease. The holiday season may have come, but the need for blood never dwindles.
The holiday season tends to be a difficult time to maintain a sufficient blood supply, as inclement weather and seasonal illnesses are widespread across the country. With a goal to increase blood and platelet donations, January was chosen by presidential proclamation in 1970 to be National Blood Donor Month. Each January serves as an opportunity to honor the efforts of consistent blood donors and encourage new ones to help save lives.
How you can help
Donors of all blood types–particularly type O, the blood group hospitals use most–are needed to help meet demand. The blood donation process includes a private mini-physical to check temperature, hemoglobin, blood pressure and pulse. The entire visit takes about an hour from the time you arrive until the time you leave, but the donation itself only takes about eight to ten minutes on average. Each time you give just an hour of your day to donate blood or platelets, you help save more than one life!
As a special thank-you to donors for helping address the need for blood, platelets, and plasma during the critical post-holiday time, those who come to give donate Jan. 1-26, 2025, during National Blood Donor Month, will be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl.
Another way to celebrate National Blood Donor Month and support the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross is to become a volunteer as either a blood donor ambassador or transportation specialist. Blood donor ambassadors help greet, check-in, and thank blood donors to ensure they have a positive donation experience. Transportation specialists also play a vital role in ensuring lifesaving blood products are delivered to nearby hospitals.
No matter how you choose to celebrate National Blood Donor Month, it is the perfect time to amplify your impact and give back to your community! Schedule an appointment today by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).