EHT District School Nurses

• The month of January is designated as National Blood Donor Month in the United States. Due to holiday celebrations, inclement weather, and cold and flu season, the winter months are often a time of reduced donations and an increased risk for blood shortages. National Blood Donor Month celebrates blood donors during this critical time and reminds people of the importance of donating blood

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.

More than 50 years ago - on December 31, 1969 - President Richard Nixon signed a proclamation designating January as National Blood Donor Month. The monthly observance is intended to honor voluntary blood donors and to encourage people to give blood at a time when more of this critical resource is needed.

Help ensure that this lifesaving resource is readily available to patients during this time. Find a location to give blood and schedule your life-saving donation appointment today.

A blood donation is truly an altruistic gift that an individual can give to others in need. In only 45-60 minutes, an eligible individual can donate one unit of blood that can be separated into four individual components that could help save multiple lives.

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.

Are you wondering where our Red Cross Clubs are located? Is there a Red Cross Club at your school or in your community? The Red Cross Club listing page provides an overview of the registered Red Cross Clubs in each state and lets you see details about specific Clubs. You can search by zip or city and can filter by age group within your state.

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.