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According to the American Red Cross, someone in the United States needs blood every two seconds.

January is National Blood Donor Month. In recognition, UVA School of Medicine Office of Medical Sciences Outreach and UVA Health Office of Community Engagement and Health Outcomes is partnering with the regional American Red Cross and the UVA School of Medicine chapter of the Student National Medical Association to bring awareness to the critical need for donations. At tabling events outside Claude Moore Health Sciences Library in January, volunteers are handing out educational information about the impact of donating blood and blood drives. Visit the table on Jan. 21 and 28, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

National Blood Donor Month was established in January 1970 to recognize and honor the individuals who voluntarily donate blood to help save lives. January was chosen as the month to celebrate blood donors because winter is traditionally a time when blood donations decline due to weather conditions, holiday travel, and seasonal illnesses. By focusing national attention on blood donation during this challenging time, organizers hoped to encourage more people to donate when the need was greatest. 

“We are so thrilled to be partnering with UVA School of Medicine and UVA Health to celebrate National Blood Donor Month!" says Jason Krech, American Red Cross. "Our lifesaving mission at the American Red Cross would simply be impossible without the generosity of our blood donors, who join us every day at blood drives all over the country. In a season in which we are facing critical blood shortages, we are incredibly thankful to have the opportunity to meet potential donors and encourage them to join us however they can!”

Learn more about National Blood Donor Month. If you’d like to make a donation, go to the Red Cross website to search for and sign up for an upcoming blood drive near you.