Celebrating National Blood Donor Month

The Month to Donate Blood

January always brings us a rush of “the new.” New plans, new dreams, and new goals for the year ahead. As you settle in with your coffee and calendar to map out the year ahead, consider adding blood donation to the list. This simple act has an enormous impact. In 1969, Richard Nixon declared January to be National Blood Donor Month. This month originated because January often finds blood supplies in critical demand. Holiday activities and all the bugs and viruses that spread during winter months keep people from donating. National Blood Donor Month encourages people to donate at a time of greater need.

Why should you donate blood?

Blood donation is a powerful way to give back to the community and bring healing to others’ lives. The American Red Cross says it well—“Each blood and platelet donation can save the lives of as many as three people, so this January be a hero in your community [and donate].”¹ Donating blood is a safe and simple process that can be completed in about an hour, with the actual donation taking only around 10-15 minutes.

Donated blood treats many medical conditions, bringing healing to traumatic injuries, anemia, leukemia, cancer, and more. Other blood components, such as platelets and plasma, are also used to treat patients with complex disorders and diseases. You may never know the impact your donation will have, but one thing is for sure—it will make a difference in someone’s life.

How is blood stored?

Blood is stored in specialized blood bank refrigerators. These medical devices preserve blood and blood products at specific temperatures to maintain their safety and effectiveness. Blood refrigerators can be found anywhere blood is stored, such as hospitals, blood banks, and research labs.

Blood bank refrigerators are vastly different from household and commercial refrigerators. They are equipped with a range of safety features that make sure blood is stable and well preserved. If you store blood or blood components, don’t compromise on protection. Blood is too precious to waste.

Ways to Participate in Blood Donor Month

The best way to participate is to give your blood. It’s long been said—”giving is better than receiving.” Maybe you’re dragging your feet, but once you decide to give, you won’t regret it. Do a quick google search for donation centers near you. Blood donation events are held throughout the month at various locations, such as blood banks, hospitals, and community centers. Some people are physically or medically unable to give blood, and we get it. But you can still support National Blood Donor Month in the following simple ways:

Volunteer at a blood drive

Many blood donation events are organized by volunteers. You can contact your local Red Cross chapter or blood bank to find out how you can help at blood drives in your area.

Spread the word

Share information about National Blood Donor Month and the importance of blood donation with your family, friends, and social media.

Make a financial donation

Even if you’re not able to donate blood, you can still make a financial donation to organizations that support blood donation, like the American Red Cross.

Elevate Your Lab with Corepoint® Scientific

This National Blood Donor Month, as we reflect on the importance of blood donation, let’s also acknowledge those who work tirelessly behind the scenes to distribute and administer this lifegiving substance. For medical personnel and lab technicians seeking advanced solutions in blood storage, Corepoint® Scientific offers trusted scientific and medical solutions backed by research and extensive testing. Explore a new era of innovation, compliance, and efficiency in laboratory cold storage with Corepoint® Scientific’s Blood Bank Refrigerators and Plasma Freezers. In the journey of saving lives, every contribution matters. Together, let’s make this National Blood Donor Month a celebration of compassion, innovation, and the pursuit of a healthier world.