January is Nationwide Blood Donor Month, a time after we honor the generosity of America’s blood donors and remind folks in regards to the significance of donating blood commonly for many who are ready to take action. The winter months additionally convey on diminished donations as a consequence of 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 america wants blood for surgical procedures, most cancers remedies, childbirth, anemia, severe accidents, blood issues, and extra.

To assist be certain all of us have blood after we want it, I helped launch the U.S. Division of Well being and Human Providers 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 persistent diseases.

This 12 months’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 essential for folks from various backgrounds to take action. This helps make sure that individuals who have uncommon blood sorts have appropriate blood out there to them after they want it.

And this 12 months is the primary Nationwide Blood Donor Month for the reason that FDA’s launch final 12 months of their Ultimate Steering on blood and plasma donations, after 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 chance evaluation of all blood donors as a result of all donors might be requested the identical questions. I applaud the FDA for utilizing one of the best out there scientific proof in the present day to replace eligibility insurance policies, whereas additionally persevering with to take care of a protected and ample provide of blood and blood merchandise in america. I additionally hope that this new steering will encourage those that might haven’t been capable of donate beforehand, to contemplate doing so below the brand new pointers.

Crucial 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 avoid wasting 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 in the present day residing a life with function.

Donors, particularly those that donate commonly, 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 in the present day. Donating blood simply as soon as will help save multiple life. It’s much more impactful in case you can donate commonly!

I hope you’ll be part of me in spreading the message in regards to the significance of donating blood. Go to the Giving = Dwelling web site to discover a donation middle close to you, be taught in regards to the blood donation course of, and get solutions to frequent questions and issues. You can too 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.