National Blood Donor Month: How You Can Help Save Lives This Month & Throughout the Year by Sophia L. Thomas, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, PPCNP-BC, FNAP, FAANP

January is National Blood Donor Month, an occasion that our nation has observed since 1970. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, this has never been a more critical time to donate blood if you’re able. With thousands of Americans hospitalized nationwide due to the virus, donating blood can literally save lives and make an outsized impact on our efforts to combat this pandemic.

Blood donations typically trail off immediately after the winter holiday season. This is especially true in 2020, when social distancing and fear of contracting COVID-19 have led to the cancelation of many blood drives and kept people from donating. It is precisely because of COVID-19 that we all need to do our part and donate lifesaving blood, if possible.

The American Red Cross has provided basic requirements to donate blood:

• You can only donate every 56 days.

• You must be in good health and feeling well.

• You must be at least 16 years old in most states.

• You must weigh at least 110 pounds.

If you have already given blood or are unable to participate, consider trying to get family and friends to donate. By encouraging 10 people to donate, you can help save up to 30 lives. Help spread the word on social media and in your social networks.

COVID-19 has exponentially increased the need for lifesaving blood donations. This year, let’s all do our part to combat this pandemic by donating blood in honor of National Blood Donor Month.

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