January is Nationwide Blood Donor Month, a time after we honor the generosity of America’s blood donors and remind individuals concerning the significance of donating blood recurrently for many who are in a position to take action. The winter months additionally convey on lowered donations resulting from elevated sickness from COVID-19, flu, and RSV. Moreover, winter climate could make it troublesome for blood donors to make and maintain donation appointments.
Each two seconds, somebody in the USA wants blood for surgical procedures, most cancers therapies, childbirth, anemia, critical accidents, blood issues, and extra.
To assist be sure that all of us have blood after we want it, I helped launch the U.S. Division of Well being and Human Companies marketing campaign Giving = Dwelling. By means of shifting private tales, the marketing campaign highlights people who share how blood donations saved their lives throughout army service, accidents, medical emergencies, and power sicknesses.
This yr’s Nationwide Blood Donor Month theme is Celebrating Variety, Inclusivity and Fairness in Blood Donation. The theme emphasizes that though all People are inspired to donate blood, it’s particularly necessary for individuals from numerous backgrounds to take action. This helps be certain that individuals who have uncommon blood sorts have suitable blood accessible to them once they want it.
And this yr is the primary Nationwide Blood Donor Month because the FDA’s launch final yr of their Closing Steerage on blood and plasma donations, once they changed the 3-month deferral for homosexual, bisexual, and different males who’ve intercourse with males with a person threat evaluation the place all blood donors are requested the identical questions, no matter their id. I imagine this improves the accuracy of the danger evaluation of all blood donors as a result of all donors will likely be requested the identical questions. I applaud the FDA for utilizing the perfect accessible scientific proof right now to replace eligibility insurance policies, whereas additionally persevering with to keep up a protected and ample provide of blood and blood merchandise in the USA. I additionally hope that this new steerage will encourage those that might haven’t been capable of donate beforehand, to contemplate doing so beneath the brand new tips.
A very powerful factor to recollect when contemplating donating blood is that doing so can save a life. Watch Earl’s story to learn the way blood donation helped to save lots of his life when he was severely injured by a roadside bomb, whereas serving within the army. Due to blood donors, he’s nonetheless right here right now dwelling a life with objective.
Donors, particularly those that donate recurrently, maintain our nation’s blood provide steady. Though many individuals donate blood after disasters, sufferers want blood year-round. Shortages within the nation’s blood provide can occur at any time. If you’re eligible to donate blood, I encourage you to make an appointment to donate right now. Donating blood simply as soon as will help save a couple of life. It’s much more impactful if you happen to can donate recurrently!
I hope you’ll be a part of me in spreading the message concerning the significance of donating blood. Go to the Giving = Dwelling web site to discover a donation heart close to you, study concerning the blood donation course of, and get solutions to widespread questions and considerations. You may also assist us discover extra blood donor heroes. Use our marketing campaign supplies to assist us get the phrase out.
I admire your assist. It’s a pleasure to thank donors and supporters personally. Your efforts make a distinction to thousands and thousands of People. I’m deeply appreciative of your efforts to make everybody in your neighborhood more healthy.
