Every January, we celebrate National Blood Donor Month, a time to honor the selflessness of blood donors and raise awareness about the critical need for blood donations. In the United States, nearly7 million people selflessly give blood every year, serving as a lifeline for countless individuals in need.
One in seven patients entering a hospital requires the availability of blood for various medical reasons. This includes trauma victims, patients battling sickle cell disease or Thalassemia, as well as those who require organ or bone marrow transplants. Additionally, a staggering 25 percent of all blood donations are used for cancer patients, and blood transfusions are essential in one out of every 83 newborn deliveries in America today.
The need for blood is urgent and constant. Every two seconds, someone in our country requires blood, and on any given day, an average of 42,000 blood components are used by patients. That amounts to more than 15 million red blood cells, platelets, and plasma transfused last year alone.
Despite this high demand, only three percent of all Americans choose to donate blood. To compound the issue, there has been a significant 32 percent decrease in blood donations from individuals aged 19-24 from 2019 to 2021. This decline can largely be attributed to the restrictions imposed on blood drives during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly on school campuses.
It is crucial to address this shortage by not only increasing short-term blood donations but also cultivating a younger and more diverse donor pool for long-term sustainability.
As medical professionals, we recognize and emphasize the importance of ensuring a sufficient blood supply when it is needed most. We are immensely grateful to all the blood donors who play a vital role in saving lives with their generous contributions.
Join us in commemorating National Blood Donor Month. We express our deep gratitude to America’s voluntary blood donors while encouraging more people to make this lifesaving difference to give. Together, we can ensure that blood remains readily available for every patient who relies on it.
Content From: The Association for Blood Donor Professionals
