Did you know that January is National Blood Donor Month? Back on December 31, 1969, President Richard Nixon of the United States signed into effect a proclamation that would make January the official month for National Blood Donor Month. This was to designate an entire month to honor the millions of people every year who give blood to help other people.
Why are Blood Donors Important?
Blood donors are so important because they are the only means by which we can obtain blood products. Blood is not something we can make in a lab or factory, unlike other medications. Almost 7 million blood donations are needed a year to help meet the need. In fact, 1 in 7 patients in the hospital may need blood. In order to meet this great need, we rely on the generosity of blood donors. We also need a variety of blood donors in order to be able to provide the right match for the people that need it.
What are Blood Products Used For?
Blood products are used for multiple reasons. If someone ends up in an accident or injures themselves, they may end up needing blood to replace any blood that they have lost. Blood products are also used to help people who have bleeding from surgery or a bleeding site in the body. Some people may need blood due to chronic illnesses or blood disorders that they have.
What is the Blood Donation Process Like?
You can go to a blood donation center or see if a local organization or company is holding a blood drive event to donate blood. You can donate blood every 56 days. Blood products can only be kept for a certain amount of time before it can’t be used at all, so blood products do need to be constantly replaced.
Now that you know more about National Blood Donor Month, consider whether donating blood is an option for you. Even if you donate or not, we can all take some time this month to honor those who do.
Dr. Angela Chen is a resident physician who sees patients of all ages and provides obstetrical services at Lone Star Family Health Center, a non-profit 501©3 Federally Qualified Health Center operating facilities in Conroe, Spring, Willis, Grangerland, and Huntsville, and serving as home to a fully integrated Family Medicine Residency Program to increase the number of Family Medicine physicians for Texas and our community.
