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 frequently for individuals who are ready to take action. The winter months additionally carry on decreased donations as a consequence of elevated sickness from COVID-19, flu, and RSV. Moreover, winter climate could make it tough 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, critical accidents, blood problems, 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 Companies marketing campaign Giving = Residing. By transferring private tales, the marketing campaign highlights people who share how blood donations saved their lives throughout navy service, accidents, medical emergencies, and continual sicknesses.

This yr’s Nationwide Blood Donor Month theme is Celebrating Range, Inclusivity and Fairness in Blood Donation. The theme emphasizes that though all People are inspired to donate blood, it’s particularly essential for individuals from various backgrounds to take action. This helps be certain that individuals who have uncommon blood varieties have suitable blood obtainable 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 Steering 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 danger evaluation the place all blood donors are requested the identical questions, no matter their identification. I imagine this improves the accuracy of the danger evaluation of all blood donors as a result of all donors might be requested the identical questions. I applaud the FDA for utilizing the most effective obtainable scientific proof right now to replace eligibility insurance policies, whereas additionally persevering with to keep up a protected and sufficient provide of blood and blood merchandise in america. I additionally hope that this new steerage will encourage those that might haven’t been in a position to donate beforehand, to contemplate doing so underneath the brand new pointers.

An important factor to recollect when contemplating donating blood is that doing so can save a life. Watch Earl’s story to find out how blood donation helped to save lots of his life when he was severely injured by a roadside bomb, whereas serving within the navy. Due to blood donors, he’s nonetheless right here right now dwelling a life with objective.

Donors, particularly those that donate frequently, 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. In case you are eligible to donate blood, I encourage you to make an appointment to donate right now. Donating blood simply as soon as can assist save a couple of life. It’s much more impactful when you can donate frequently!

I hope you’ll be a part of me in spreading the message concerning the significance of donating blood. Go to the Giving = Residing web site to discover a donation heart close to you, be taught concerning 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 respect your assist. It’s a pleasure to thank donors and supporters personally. Your efforts make a distinction to hundreds of thousands of People. I’m deeply appreciative of your efforts to make everybody in your group more healthy.