The toughest time of the year for blood donations is in the winter — inclement weather conditions and seasonal illnesses typically keep donors away.
The beginning of the year is the perfect reminder to either make an appointment to donate blood in your local community or set up a blood drive for your local, training center or job site.
There are many myths surrounding donating blood, mostly in regard to eligibility requirements, that deter donors — while many Americans are eligible to donate, only 3% of the population does, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Although eligibility requirements exist for special donations, such as plasma and platelets, whole blood donations can generally be accepted as long you’re feeling well.
Facts about blood donation from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:
- Someone uses blood from donors every 2 seconds for surgeries, cancer treatments, childbirth, anemia, serious injuries, blood disorders and more.
- A single blood donation can save up to three lives.
- Blood only has a shelf life of 42 days.
- Black and African American donors are more likely to be a match for patients with sickle cell disease, but less than 3% donates blood.
If you’d like to donate blood, set up a donation appointment or learn more about the types of blood that can be donated, search for local resources on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website or contact your local blood bank.