Did you know that every 2 seconds someone in the United States needs blood?

On December 31, 1969, President Nixon designated January as National Blood Donors Month. The goal of this proclamation was to bring awareness and support for the voluntary donation of blood. Many blood banks run short of supply following the holidays which impacts local hospitals in their ability to provide life-saving treatments. There are many organizations actively collaborating on how to best support routine blood donation from communities.

The COVID-19 pandemic helped to raise awareness of donation of whole blood, plasma, and platelet donations. Shortages revealed the need for varying not just the donation type but the varying types of blood. While there are limitations on who can receive what blood, no matter the blood type (A, AB, B, and O), the donation is needed. This is also true for Rh factors (+ or -); your blood can save a life.