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The Blood Matters Blog · January 1, 2025

10 Reasons to Give Blood This National Blood Donor Month

There are so many incredible reasons to donate blood any time of the year. But in January that's especially the case. Here's why.

Let's face it: the need for blood never stops. With over 330 million people living in the United States, hospitals across the country are reliant on the generosity of blood donors no matter the day, month or year.

There is one month, however, that holds a special place for blood donors. Every January since 1970, Americans have observed National Blood Donor Month, a time dedicated to recognizing the critical importance of blood donations and encouraging new and regular donors to book an appointment and save lives.

So how did January come to be known as National Blood Donor Month if blood donations are so important year-round? A great question! Let's explore that, along with 10 reasons to donate blood during National Blood Donor Month in 2025 and beyond.

What Is National Blood Donor Month? A Brief History

On Dec. 31, 1969, President Richard Nixon signed Proclamation 3952, which designated January 1970 the country's first "National Blood Donor Month."

"Genuine concern for his fellowman has always distinguished the American citizen," Nixon's proclamation began. "That concern finds daily expression in countless acts of voluntary service... 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."

MORE: What Do We Know About the Blood Types of American Presidents?

The proclamation, made after Congress passed a joint resolution requesting the action, called upon the media, hospitals, blood banks like Our Blood Institute and the general public to "pay special tribute" to the voluntary blood donor and to "encourage, by all appropriate means, increasing numbers of people to be voluntary blood donors."

Is There a National Blood Donation Day?

Yes! Sort of. There is no federally designated "National Blood Donation Day," though most states recognize Sept. 4 as "National Blood Donor Day" and the first full week of September as "National Blood Donation Week."

These dates were selected in alignment with Labor Day, as the often busy and active holiday weekend is traditionally one with low donor turnout and increased hospital demand for blood products.

Additionally, if you've followed our work with Global Blood Fund, you likely know about World Blood Donor Day! First celebrated in 2004, June 14 is internationally recognized as World Blood Donor Day. This past June, thanks to our incredible blood donors, we helped raise nearly $30,000 in medical equipment for a Ghanaian hospital's expansion into a regional blood bank.

World Blood Donor Day 2024

1. Address the Historic Winter Blood Shortage

January has long been a difficult month for the blood banking industry, Our Blood Institute included.

Winter weather often disrupts donation drives, and post-holiday fatigue can lower turnout. Makes sense, right? Meanwhile, the need for blood remains constant — and typically increases — due to accidents on icy roads and other seasonal emergencies. By donating, you can help ensure hospitals have the blood supply they need to save lives during these critical times.

Find a Blood Drive

2. Need New Year's Resolution Ideas? Give Blood!

If you're in the market for a meaningful New Year's resolution, look no further: make 2025 the year you give back by donating blood.

If you're a first-time donor, it’s a great way to try something new while making a lasting impact on someone else's life. Plus, once you see how easy and rewarding it is, you might just make it a regular habit! Frequent donors: how about donating a blood product you never have before, bringing a friend who's never donated or resolving to give more than last year?

There are so many ways to incorporate blood donation into your 2025 New Year's resolutions, and all of them are great ways to contribute to a healthier community.

3. Step Out of the Cold, Warm Up with a Free Sweatshirt

Baby, it's cold outside! While the temperatures drop outside, you can stay warm and cozy inside any one of our 17 donation centers across Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas.

Were you able to grab one of our ultra-comfy OBI sweatshirts over the holidays? Don't sweat it if you missed it — we've got a new T-shirt offering that we think is pretty super. Plus, you can still find those stylish sweatshirts on Mission Market, our new blood donation-inspired marketplace that charitably supports Global Blood Fund.

OBI sweatshirt

4. Give in January, Get More Donor Points!

There's an argument to be made that we should have titled this article "100 reasons to give blood this January." That's because you'll receive an additional 100 points for each donation made through the OBI app in the first month of 2025!

Don't have our app yet? No problem! You can do so by clicking on the iOS or Android buttons below from your mobile device, or if you prefer, from your phone's app store.

Download on iOS Download on Android

Once downloaded, click on the navigation menu at the top left of the app, scroll down to "Donate Now," and you'll be presented with options to donate at upcoming drives or a donor center near you.

From there, find the donation time and location that works best for you and you'll be awarded your extra points within seven days of your completed donation. It's that simple!

6. Help Cancer Patients During Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

January isn't just National Blood Donor Month — it's also Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.

With nearly half of platelet transfusion recipients in the U.S. having a type of cancer that affects the blood, bone marrow and/or lymph nodes, donating platelets is a powerful way to support cancer patients in their fight for survival.

MORE: Can Cancer Survivors Donate Blood?

Cervical Cancer Awareness Month ribbons

Where to Donate Platelets

7. Get a Free Health Check-Up

Before giving blood, one of our amazing phlebotomists will check several key health indicators to gauge whether you're able to safely donate blood products. You can now view your results through the "My Test Results" section of your donor portal or through the OBI app! After donating, check back to review your:

Blood Pressure
Cholesterol
Hemoglobin
Platelet Count
Pulse
Temperature
Weight

It's important to note that these test results are recorded as screening data only and should not be relied upon to make medical decisions. In the event that one of these results causes concern, please consult your doctor.

8. Support Mothers and Newborns

Complications during childbirth often require emergency blood transfusions, and more and more mothers in America are needing them.

Donating blood can help ensure that mothers and their babies receive the lifesaving care they need, especially during a busy holiday season for hospitals.

Why Transfusions During Childbirth Are on the Rise

9. The Fray's "How to Save a Life" Is Turning 20

We promise we're not trying to make you feel old, but yes, The Fray's iconic song "How to Save a Life" came out two decades ago this year!

The emotionally charged, piano-centric ballad, famously featured on Grey's Anatomy, became an instant classic upon its September 2005 release and a heartfelt reminder of the difference we can make in the lives of others.

Honestly, is there a better song to pair with blood donation? It's literally life-saving!

The Fray · How to Save a Life

10. Join the Nutter Butter TikTok Trend... If You Dare

We've loved Nutter Butter around here long before TikTok, and we'll love them just as much once they fade back into social media obscurity. ...Unless, that is, they don't?

The official Nutter Butter TikTok currently boasts 1.5 million followers, with its most viral videos having been watched tens of millions of times. Why? Whether "they're unhinged," as Today.com's Joseph Lamour puts it, or simply have a social media strategy perfectly suited for the times is in the eye of the beholder.

Nutter Butters TikTok