hy is National Blood Donor Month observed in January? Because blood donations usually drop off in the winter months – the holidays, cold and flu season, and inclement weather are often to blame – but the need for blood supply doesn’t change. This winter season think about making time to give the gift of life.
Just one pint of blood has the potential to save three lives. Blood donations, including platelets and plasma, save lives and improve health of millions of people worldwide. Throughout these months of a global pandemic, the need for blood has been even greater.
Someone needs blood every few seconds in the United States, and more than 4.5 million Americans would die every year without blood transfusions. According to the Red Cross, about 38 percent of the United States population can donate blood, but only about 10 percent actually do. Eligible donors can donate their blood every eight weeks. Donors of platelets and plasma can donate more often.
Statistics don’t always hit home, but the fact that one in seven patients entering a hospital will need a transfusion is impactful. For our area, the only Level 1 Trauma Center in North Louisiana is at OCHSNER-LSU Academic Medical Center and serves all Louisiana north of Interstate 10. Immediate access to blood supplies is crucial to treat trauma patients needing urgent care from gunshot wounds to various accidents. Additionally, LifeShare Blood Center in Shreveport supplies blood components and related services to more than 100 medical facilities and hospitals throughout Louisiana, Texas, and Arkansas.
Volunteer to donate and encourage others to join you in helping someone live another day. Resolve to give the gift of life, “Donate at least 2 in 22!”