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National Volunteer Donor Month Combats Blood Shortages
Written by
Bonnie Gillespie
, Staff Writer, Redcross.org
Thursday, January 08, 2004 — As the new year begins, the Red Cross hopes Americans will add one more item to their list of resolutions – donate blood. Blood supplies typically teeter at dangerously low levels during the winter months, prompting blood service providers across the country to designate January as National Volunteer Blood Donor Month.
It only takes about an hour to save up to three lives by donating blood. |
This year, the American Red Cross, the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) and America's Blood Centers have set a joint goal to collect 1.2 million units of blood during the month of January. A spike in holiday traffic accidents has led to an increased demand for blood, but a bitter flu season has added to the usual wintertime donation deterrents, such as bad weather and vacations. As a result, blood supplies have already reached crisis-level lows in many communities.
“Blood collections typically fall during this time of year,” said Cliff Numark, donor-recruitment director of the Red Cross Blood Services of the Southern California Region. “But the flu has dampened regular donations and our core blood donors are dropping off left and right.”
Much of California is currently experiencing donation levels of 25 percent below normal, while blood centers in Atlanta, Ga., were forced to keep their doors open on New Year’s Day in efforts to replenish dwindling supplies. Texas, Missouri and Ohio also report severe blood shortages, but partners in the blood community believe that Americans will see National Volunteer Blood Donor Month as an opportunity to roll up their sleeves and respond to the urgent need.
"To avert critical blood shortages this winter, we need citizens across the country to schedule an appointment to donate blood," said Jim MacPherson, CEO of America's Blood Centers. "Blood has a shelf life of only 42 days, which means it constantly needs to be replenished. Donors can give blood every 56 days, or six times a year."
And each donor makes a difference. More than 38,000 blood donations are used every day in the United States to help save the lives of cancer patients, accident victims, children with blood disorders, among others.
Blood donations can be transported and used to help those in need of blood in communities nationwide. |
"Our goal is to ensure that blood is readily available to patients whenever and wherever it is needed because it is the blood on the shelves that saves lives," said Karen Shoos Lipton, AABB's chief executive officer.
Every two seconds, someone in America needs blood and just one unit of blood can help save as many as three lives.
“The Red Cross is an organization that responds to those in need and it is an honor to help them with the lifesaving role they play everyday in communities nationwide," said blood donor Peyton Manning, star quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts and member of the American Red Cross National Celebrity Cabinet.
“Donating blood is a simple, safe, life-saving, and selfless gift that millions of Americans can do," said Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson. "As we celebrate the New Year, I ask that people across America remember to give thanks, give life, and give twice this year and every year."
All eligible donors are urged to make an appointment to give blood today. In general, donors must be at least 17 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds to be eligible to give.
Those interested in donating blood may call one of the following numbers for more information and to find out where they can schedule an appointment to donate:
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