January is Nationwide Blood Donor Month, a time once we honor the generosity of America’s blood donors and remind folks in regards to the significance of donating blood frequently for many who are ready to take action. The winter months additionally convey on lowered 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.
IT wasn’t for the kindness of blood donors. I am very grateful to everybody who donates.” – Heather” class=”proper” peak=”250″ src=”https://www.hhs.gov/websites/default/recordsdata/giving-equals-living-heather.jpg” model=”float:proper” width=”250″/>
Each two seconds, somebody in america wants blood for surgical procedures, most cancers therapies, childbirth, anemia, severe accidents, blood problems, and extra.
To assist make sure that all of us have blood once we want IT, I helped launch the U.S. Division of Health and Human Providers marketing campaign Giving = Dwelling. By way of shifting private tales, the marketing campaign highlights people who share how blood donations saved their lives throughout navy service, accidents, medical emergencies, and power diseases.
This 12 months’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 is particularly necessary for folks from various backgrounds to take action. This helps make sure that individuals who have uncommon blood varieties have suitable blood accessible 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 Last 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 danger evaluation of all blood donors as a result of all donors will likely be requested the identical questions. I applaud the FDA for utilizing one of the best accessible scientific proof at present to replace eligibility insurance policies, whereas additionally persevering with to take care of 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 capable of donate beforehand, to think about doing so below the brand new pointers.
A very powerful 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 at present residing 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 at present. Donating blood simply as soon as might help save multiple life. IT’s much more impactful when you can donate frequently!
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, study in regards to the blood donation course of, and get solutions to widespread questions and issues. You too can assist us discover extra blood donor heroes. Use our marketing campaign supplies to assist us get the phrase out.
I recognize 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 group more healthy.