Since 1970, National Blood Donor Month has been celebrated in January. Historically, the winter season is one of the most difficult times of the year to collect enough blood products and donations to meet patient needs. While “whole blood” donations are the most common, individuals can also make platelet, power red and plasma donations.
Donated blood is used for blood transfusions. Common scenarios in which blood transfusions are needed include the following:
- Patients suffering from severe trauma following disasters and accidents
- Patients receiving surgical treatments and some medical treatments, including cancer patients and patients with sickle cell disease
- Female patients suffering from pregnancy complications before, during and after childbirth
Making the decision to donate blood can help save a life, but not everyone is eligible to donate blood. Please visit the Red Cross's blood donation eligibility page to see if you meet the requirements to donate blood to ensure both your safety and the safety of recipients.
