On December 31^st, 1969, Richard Nixon proclaimed January 1970, as the first National Blood Donor Month, taking action to increase blood donations throughout the winter season. Shortages of blood donations in the winter result from a wide array of circumstances including holiday celebrations, uninviting weather and cold and flu season. Unfortunately, this puts those who need blood for life-saving care at extreme risk.

Inclement weather oftentimes results in canceled blood drives, and the common cold and flu symptoms cause many to forego their blood donations. As noted by the American Red Cross, winter is known as “one of the most difficult times of year to collect enough blood products to meet patient needs.” 

Blood donations are crucial for the treatment of traumatic injuries, surgeries, cancer treatments and chronic illnesses. The American Red Cross notes that a single car accident victim can require up to 100 units of blood for their lifesaving treatment and someone in the U.S. needs blood or platelets every two seconds. Donating blood is known as the gift that keeps on giving, as patients can require red cells, whole blood, platelets or plasma, so each time a donation is made it’s used to save more than one life.

The mission of National Blood Donor Month is to increase advocacy for donating blood when eligible and celebrate America’s blood donors. Unfortunately, only 3% of eligible Americans donate blood yearly. However, through education and advocacy for this urgent cause, America is one step closer to eliminating blood shortages.

Where to Donate

Blood donations are taken by appointment at the following Manchester locations. Schedule your appointment here. You can also use the Blood Donor App, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767)

·       Manchester Church of Christ, 595 Tolland Turnpike, Manchester, CT 06042

·       Manchester Memorial Hospital, 71 Haynes Street, Manchester, CT 06040

·       North United Methodist Church, 300 Parker Street, Manchester, CT 06040

·       Midwest Food Bank New England, 440 Adams St, Manchester, CT 06042

Upcoming Blood Drive Events in Connecticut

The Red Cross will hold blood drive events at the Simsbury Public Library from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM on the following dates: January 6, 2025, February 3, 2025, March 3, 2025, April 7, 2025, May 5, 2025 and June 2, 2025. Schedule an appointment to donate during one of these events here.

How to Observe National Blood Donor Month

Donating blood at your local donation center is a wonderful way to observe National Blood Donor Month. However, certain limitations may disqualify you from doing so. Donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh 110 pounds and be free of major cold or flu-like symptoms. Health conditions such as HIV, Hepatitis B or C, Cancer, Sickle Cell Disease and pregnancy may limit someone’s eligibility to donate as well. However, there are plenty of other ways to observe National Blood Donor Month this January.

Spread the word

Share the need for blood donors this winter and explain to those around you why it is important. Consider spreading awareness on social media with the hashtag #NBDM.

Volunteer

Sign up here to volunteer at a local Red Cross blood drive to check in donors or provide transportation assistance. Consider calling donation sites in your town as well, they may need extra support for community outreach or check-in assistance.

Host a Blood Drive

To host a blood drive for the American Red Cross, the organizer must provide a large open space, organize a recruitment committee to recruit donors, publicize the blood drive and schedule donor appointments. If your organization can provide these requirements, consider applying to host this winter! The application process and more information about hosting a blood drive can be found here.

Make a Financial Donation

Visit the American Red Cross Donation Page if you would like to contribute financially. You can also start a fundraiser here and raise money for those in need today.

Donate Your Unwanted Vehicle

Did you know that you can dispose of an unwanted vehicle in almost any condition through the American Red Cross and receive a tax deduction? The Red Cross Vehicle Donation Program works with CARS (Charitable Adult Rides & Services) a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, to pick up your unwanted vehicle at no cost and sell the vehicle for funds for The American Red Cross. This can be a car, truck, van, SUV, boat, motorcycle, RV, snowmobile, jet ski, farm equipment or even a tractor.

Whether you can donate, promote this cause or volunteer, every act of advocacy counts towards the mission of National Blood Donor Month.

Give the gift that keeps on giving this January!