January is National Blood Donor Month; Blood in great demand
According to the Association for Blood Donor Professionals, every two seconds in America, someone urgently needs blood. This need extends beyond unexpected emergencies like car crashes, encompassing a wide range of treatments such as cancer therapies, cardiovascular and orthopedic surgeries, and organ and bone marrow transplants.
Only three percent of eligible Americans currently donate blood, despite 65 percent of the population being eligible to do so. Additionally, less than 20 percent of blood donations come from individuals in communities of color, and donations from individuals aged 19-24 have declined by nearly 32 percent from 2019 to 2021. This drop is largely attributed to restrictions imposed on blood drives at school campuses during the peak of COVID-19. Given the current state of blood donations, there is an urgent need for younger, more diverse donors.
National Blood Donor Month, celebrated every January, provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of blood donation and to honor those who have already made a life-saving contribution. The inaugural National Blood Donor Month was proclaimed by President Richard Nixon and held in January 1970, with the aim of acknowledging voluntary blood donors and encouraging more individuals to donate for the first time.
Despite the changes that have occurred in the last five decades, the demand for blood remains constant, as does the selflessness of those who answer the call to give. The Association for Blood Donor Professionals expresses a heartfelt gratitude to all those who regularly donate blood and encourages all those eligible to join them. Such ongoing generosity not only saves lives today but also extends hope for a brighter tomorrow for countless individuals in need.
Blood drives will be held the first Monday of every month in Waukon in 2024. The next LifeServe Blood Center blood drive will be held Monday, February 5, from 12-5 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Waukon.
Regular blood donors may donate blood as often as every 56 days. First-time donors will find that donating blood is a safe and easy way to save lives and make a difference in the community. One single blood donation can save the lives of up to three sick or injured hospital patients.
The process is simple:
1. Eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of fluids at least four hours prior to donating.
2. Bring proper identification, such as a donor card or a driver’s license.
3. Complete a health history questionnaire and screening interview.
4. Receive a brief health check by trained staff. This includes a check of blood pressure, pulse, temperature and blood iron levels.
5. Sit back while a unit of blood, approximately one pint, is collected. This takes around 10 minutes.
6. Enjoy refreshments while relaxing for 10-15 minutes before leaving.
The blood that is collected is tested carefully. In fact, all blood that is collected by any blood collection center is tested the same, according to the federal regulations.
To help maintain Iowa’s blood supply, donate at the Waukon Community Blood Drive Monday, February 5 at the First Baptist Church in south Waukon. Appointments are encouraged by calling the LifeServe Blood Center at 800-287-4903.
