NEWPORT NEWS — January marks the 57th National Blood Donor Month, and the Hampton and Peninsula Health Districts are encouraging the community to give blood.
According to a release from the health districts, winter is traditionally a time when blood donations decline due to weather conditions, holiday travel, and seasonal illnesses — factors that can put blood supplies at risk. National Blood Donor Month honors the lifesaving contributions of blood donors and raises awareness about the urgent need for donations.
“The American Red Cross reports that every two seconds, a person in the United States needs blood. Blood is essential to help patients survive surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries; however, only 3% of age-eligible adults donate blood each year,” says Population Health Manager, Tes La Dieu. “Donating blood is life-saving for those in need.”
A single blood donation can save up to three lives, according to the release. Some of the ways blood donations save lives include:
- Trauma and emergency care
- Cancer treatments
- Surgeries
- Chronic illnesses
- Blood disorders
- Childbirth complications
Every two seconds, someone in the United States requires a blood transfusion, it adds. More than 42,000 units of red cells, platelets, and plasma are used by patients every day.
To donate blood, the following criteria must be met:
- Be healthy on the day of donation
- Weigh a minimum of 110 pounds
- Be a minimum of 17 years old for Virginia residents (16 years old with parent or guardian consent)
Additional screening questions will be asked at the time of donation.
The Hampton and Peninsula Health Districts note blood cannot be manufactured or synthesized like other medical treatments, so blood donors are the sole source of life-saving blood products.
Donors can find a nearby blood drive and schedule an appointment by visiting redcrossblood.org
