National Blood Donor Month 2026: Why January Matters

January is National Blood Donor Month, a special time to celebrate people who give blood and to spread the word about why donating matters. Every January, we honor the volunteers who roll up their sleeves to save lives.

President Nixon first issued Proclamation 3952 on December 31, 1969, announcing January as National Blood Donor Month to thank donors and encourage more people to give blood.

Hospitals always need blood – in fact, a Red Cross report notes that “every two seconds, someone in the United States requires a blood transfusion”. That shows how important it is for healthy people to donate.

Blood donation is truly lifesaving. For example, every pint of blood can help up to three patients. One very tiny patient named Eleanor needed seven blood transfusions in her first days of life, and those donations saved her life.

During National Blood Donor Month, we celebrate these heroes and invite anyone who can join them.

Why January? Blood Donor Month.

You may wonder, “Why January?” The holiday season can make it harder to collect blood. During December and January, many people travel or get with year end tasks.

Snowstorms and colds can cause blood drives to be canceled. Blood banks often see a dip in donations after the holidays. National Blood Donor Month gives a boost during this slow time. It reminds us that patients need blood year-round.

It also taps into the New Year’s spirit – many people make resolutions to help others. Donating blood can be a great way to keep a resolution to do good in the year ahead.

How You Can Help:

There are many ways anyone can help during National Blood Donor Month. You don’t need a special reason or occasion – just a little time!

• Donate blood. Schedule an appointment at your local blood center or hospital. You can give blood about every 56 days (up to six times a year) if you meet the health requirements. Each donation goes into the supply that doctors use every day.
• Host or join a blood drive. If you work at a company, go to school, or belong to a club, consider organizing a blood drive. It’s free and easy – blood centers provide all the supplies.
• Spread the word. Tell friends and family why donating is important. You might share a post on social media or talk about it at dinner. Post about why giving blood matters and encourage others. Even helping someone schedule their first appointment can make a difference.
• Volunteer. Many blood centers need volunteers to greet donors, hand out snacks, or help with paperwork. You can give time instead of blood. Ask your local center how you can help, even if you can’t donate blood yourself.

Remember: every donation is a lifeline

Why Donate Blood?

Donating blood is one of the simplest ways to make a big impact.

In practical terms, that means:

• Save lives. A single donation can help up to three people. That could be an accident victim, a child in intensive care, or a cancer patient. Imagine helping a neighbor you’ve never met! For instance, those seven transfusions for baby Eleanor meant she had a chance to grow up healthy.
• Health check-up. Every time you donate, a nurse gives you a mini health screening for free (blood pressure, iron level, etc.). It’s a quick check to see you’re well. These health benefits of the pre-donation check. Many donors say it motivates them to stay healthy.
• Community support. Hospitals rely on donors. Americans donate about 13 million units of blood every year. That blood goes to all kinds of patients – from mothers with complications to people battling chronic illnesses. By giving blood, you’re literally helping your community live.
• Feel good. Donors often say they feel proud knowing they helped save lives. It’s an act of kindness that connects us.

How CCL Labs Supports Blood Donation

At CCL Labs, we care about community health and giving back. We know that a steady blood supply is vital for hospitals and patients. That’s why our team encourages blood donation in our local communities.

For example, our clinics in Arizona and Texas share information about blood drives and the importance of donation with patients and staff. We’ve supported local blood centers by hosting information booths and encouraging volunteers.

We also recognize that lab testing and screening are part of the donation process. By providing reliable blood testing services, CCL Labs helps ensure that donated blood is safe and ready for patients.

We’re proud to join the National Blood Donor Month effort. CCL Labs may not collect blood ourselves, but we cheer on those who do. We believe that a small act of giving can become a ripple of kindness across the community. By working with local blood banks and spreading awareness, CCL Labs does its part to help every patient who needs blood.

We urge everyone to give blood when they can, because just one donation can save up to three lives.

FAQs

• What is National Blood Donor Month?

  It’s a month-long event every January to honor and encourage blood donors. During this month, blood centers thank donors and ask more people to donate blood. It was first started in 1970 by a presidential proclamation.

• Why is January Blood Donor Month?

  January was chosen because blood supplies often drop in winter. People travel for holidays or get sick, so donations dip. Holding Blood Donor Month in January helps remind people to give blood when it’s most needed.

• Who can donate blood?

  Healthy individuals over about age 16 or 17 (depending on local rules) and above a certain weight can usually donate. You need to feel well on the day you give blood. If you have questions about eligibility, blood centers provide easy self-checklists.

• How often can I donate blood?

  For whole blood donations, you can give about every 56 days (roughly six times a year). Platelet or plasma donations can sometimes be done more often. Always check with your local center and listen to the staff during your donation.

• What should I do to prepare for donating?

  Drink extra water, eat a healthy meal, and avoid heavy exercise before your appointment. Bring a photo ID. After the donation, rest a bit and have a snack (they give cookies and juice!). This helps you feel okay and speeds up your recovery.

• How do I find a blood drive or center?

  Use the Red Cross Blood or America's Blood Centers website, in the US, or search online for a donation site near you. Many communities also post local drive dates on social media in January.

• Why do hospitals need blood?

  Blood helps patients in many situations: surgeries, accidents, childbirth, cancer treatments, and more. Many people require transfusions every day. By donating blood, you help ensure hospitals have enough supply for these patients and emergencies.

• Are there any benefits to donating blood?

  Yes! Besides saving lives, you get a quick health check (blood pressure, iron level) before you give. Some studies say regular donation may even help your heart health.

Each question above addresses common concerns. Remember, giving blood is safe, simple, and can truly make you a lifesaver!