January Monthly Focus: National Blood Donor Month
What is National Blood Donor Month?
January is National Blood Donor Month! Every two seconds in the United States, someone needs blood. You may have volunteered at blood drives or blood donation centers before—if so, you’ve been participating in one of the Red Cross’s fundamental lines of service. We need the support of all our volunteers, especially youth and young adults, to help Blood Services with their own work! Find out how to get involved below.
Why help?
- Blood is needed in order to ensure that blood products are available at 2,500 hospitals nationwide. Blood transfusions are used to help patients under all kinds of circumstances, including surgeries, cancer treatments, anemia, and childbirth.
- The American Red Cross is an intrinsic part of our nation’s blood supply, providing about 40% of the nation’s blood and blood components.
- Your time saves lives. A blood donation takes about an hour from start to finish but the actual donation itself only takes between 8 to 10 minutes. This short commitment can save as many as three people with each blood and platelet donation.
- With the ongoing pandemic, blood is needed now more than ever before. The Red Cross is currently experiencing the worst blood shortage in over a decade. As a result, some hospitals have had to defer patients from major surgery, including organ transplants. Read more about it here.
- Watch these short stories which elaborate on the importance, benefits, and impact of giving blood:
Host a Blood Drive:
- Learn how to host a blood drive at your high school or college through these links
- Read about the required eligibility in order to donate blood
- Watch this short video on what it’s like and why it’s important to donate blood as a high schooler or this video summarizing a brief blood donor FAQ
- Stay educated and learn about the proper blood donation protocols during our ongoing pandemic
Earn Rewards by Donating Blood!
- African American high school donors are eligible to receive up to a $5,000 scholarship through the Sickle Cell Fighter High School Scholarship Program
- Youth have a chance to receive anywhere between $50 to $2,500 with the Leaders Save Lives Scholarship Program
- Donate blood between Jan. 1-31, 2022 to automatically be entered to win two round trip tickets to the Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles, California!
Different Ways to Get Involved:
- Take a step forward and help educate the younger generations through the The Pint-Size Hero (K-5) and Future Blood Donor (6-8) programs
- College students can help promote the diversity of Red Cross Blood Services Regions’ donor recruitment by becoming a Red Cross Collegiate Leader
- Create an online blood donor campaign for a specific cause through SleevesUp
- Establish positive donation experiences at Red Cross blood drives by becoming a Blood Donor Ambassador
- Spread awareness by learning how to advertise your Biomedical Services Impact with this activity guide
Other Resources
