January is National Blood Donor Month. The first month of the year packs a punch with the impactful reminder of the importance of donating blood. This is normally the time of the year for reduced donations and an increased risk for blood shortages, due to the holidays, cold and flu season, and winter weather.

This national month started more than 50 years ago when President Richard Nixon signed a proclamation declaring January as Blood Donor Month. Donating blood directly saves lives by: 

  • Providing a vital resource for patients needing transfusions in emergencies. 
  • Providing a vital resource during surgeries or for chronic illnesses. 
  • A single donation can potentially help multiple people by being separated into its components, like red blood cells, platelets and plasma.  

 

If you would like to learn more about donating blood, or would like to schedule an appointment with UPMC, please click here.

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