The month of January was designated National Blood Donor Month more than 50 years ago. It is the time of year when blood centers face the biggest challenges to collecting enough blood to keep pace with demand. During the winter months, inclement weather and seasonal illnesses may prevent even the most dedicated donors from being able to give, increasing the risk of blood shortages.
For National Blood Donor Month 2024, AABB is celebrating blood donors and highlighting the importance of giving blood. AABB is also celebrating diversity, inclusivity, and equity in blood donation.
Last year the FDA released final guidance on evaluating donor eligibility using individual risk-based assessment questions. AABB recognizes the recent guidance as a landmark advancement for the blood community. Individual assessment protocols improve the accuracy of risk assessment for all donors and increase the pool of eligible donors by reducing unnecessary deferrals.
Every 2 seconds, someone in the United States needs blood for surgeries, cancer treatments, childbirth, anemia, serious injuries, blood disorders, and more. Giving blood is crucial to saving lives and making sure blood is available for patients when it’s needed.
Blood centers often see an increase in donations when disaster strikes. However, donations are truly needed all year long, and especially in January. Processing and preparing a unit of blood for transfusion takes 24 to 48 hours. The blood that helps save lives are the units that have already been collected, processed, tested, and are ready for transfusion.
There is no substitute for blood and donations are the only way to supply blood for those in need. Helmer Scientific has been hosting blood drives for more than 10 years and has a large core group who routinely donate.
Supporting the blood community is important to us, and hosting regular blood drives is just one way we can express our gratitude for their constant efforts to ensure the safety and availability of the blood supply.
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During National Blood Donor Month, and throughout the year, we encourage everyone to support their local blood center by scheduling an appointment that will help save lives.
