January Is National Blood Donor Month

by Dr. Frances Compton

“Do the right thing, even when no one is watching” –author unknown

January is National Blood Donor Month, and this January marks the 53rd anniversary of this designation. President Richard Nixon issued Proclamation 3952 on December 31, 1969 making January 1970 the first month dedicated to honor the services of voluntary blood donors. His proclamation calls us to recognize the need for a steady blood supply both in January and all months that lie ahead for us each year, to be repeated with each New Year.

National Blood Donor Month is a way to celebrate our current voluntary blood donors as well as encourage new blood donors to join our mission. Carter BloodCare cannot fulfill our mission of saving lives by making transfusion possible without the dedication of our generous blood donors.

A sobering fact: Somebody in the US needs a blood transfusion every 2 seconds, but only 3% of the population donate blood. There is a huge disconnect between those that are eligible to donate and those that donate.

  • This means that if you are a blood donor, you have undoubtedly helped save multiple lives! Thank you for your generosity.

  • This also means that if you are new to blood donation, we need you!

Our local hospital patients are counting on us – all of us. And if you cannot donate because you are not eligible, then send a friend or family member to donate in your place. After all, it’s National Blood Donor Month, and President Nixon tasked us with appreciating our current donors as well as encouraging new donors to “join their worthy ranks.” 

If you are a returning blood donor, we thank you. If you are new to blood donation, welcome to the family. We think you will love it. As President Nixon said: “No manifestation of this generosity of spirit is more expressive and no gift more priceless in time of personal crisis, than the donation of one’s blood. The voluntary blood donor truly gives life itself.” 

Please visit CarterBloodCare.org to make an appointment today.

Proclamation 3952: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/STATUTE-84/pdf/STATUTE-84-Pg2203.pdf