National Blood Donor Month 2025: Significance of Blood Donation

• Written by Mudit Handa

  Reviewed by Akhil Pillai

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Blood is one of the most integral components of life. Blood accounts for 7-8% of a healthy human’s total body weight. Significant blood loss from injury, disease, or health complications can severely impact bodily functions. This is why doctors often need additional blood during complex blood loss procedures. Blood banks store thousands of litres of donated blood. The US observes National Blood Donor Month annually to recognise this noble act.

National Blood Donor Month highlights the importance of blood donation and encourages more people to donate.

Every January, the US commemorates National Blood Donor Month. This initiative was begun to recognise the significance of blood donation and urge people to donate blood. Blood donation is a safe activity and an easy way to save lives, and every unit of donated blood can help up to three people.

Why is Blood Donation Significant?

Blood is essential for life. It carries oxygen, vital nutrients, and hormones to the cells throughout the body. Additionally, it helps fight infection and stops bleeding.

As a result, healthcare organisations regularly require blood transfusions for various reasons, including:

• Performing Surgeries
• Treating injuries from accidents, including internal bleeding and blood clots.
• Treating Cancer
• Treating blood-related disorders

Who can Donate Blood?

All healthy people between the ages of 16 and 75 can donate blood. However, some restrictions apply, such as weight and health conditions.

What is the History of National Blood Donor Month?

National Blood Donor Month was initiated by the erstwhile President of the United States, Richard Nixon, in January 1970. The goal of NBDM was to recognise blood donors and raise public awareness about donation.

Address the seasonal decline in blood donations that occurs during the winter months.

What is the Process of Blood Donation?

To donate blood, follow these steps:

• You can visit a blood bank or blood donation camp near your locality. 
• After filing a form for blood donation, the volunteer team will extract your blood. 

The entire procedure takes no more than about an hour.

What are the Benefits of Donating Blood?

Donating blood is a noble act of service. A small donation can save lives and improve the health of those in need. There are numerous benefits of donating blood, including:

• Saving lives
• Helping others
• Improving your health
• Getting a free mini-physical

How Can I Get Involved in National Blood Donor Month?

There are many ways to get involved in National Blood Donor Month, including:

• Donating blood
• Hosting a blood donation drive
• Raising awareness and motivating others to donate blood.
• Spreading information about blood donation among the masses and adding more volunteers to the blood donation drive.

Together, we can make a huge difference!

However, if you plan to travel to the United States, you can actively participate in National Blood Donor Month. You can quickly locate your blood donation site online through the AABB's Blood Donation Site Locator. However, it is highly recommended that you have travel insurance to cover medical emergencies if they arise.

How do we Approach a Blood Donation Camp?

You can directly contact your local blood bank or the Red Cross Society and inform them about your intent to donate blood. Whenever a local body of the Red Cross Society holds a blood donation camp in your area, their representatives will call and inform you about the camp. You can then visit the camp and donate blood. 

For all information regarding the blood donation camp, call the Indian Red Cross Society's helpline in New Delhi at 011-2371-6441.

Donating blood is a noble deed that makes you responsive towards society. However, you have one more responsibility towards your personal and financial health. You must buy a travel insurance plan to cover your medical and non-medical expenses while travelling abroad.

Get Advance Medical Coverage During International Trip with Travel Insurance 

If you are staying in the United States, you must be aware of the inflation that puts pressure on all spheres of life. Especially the health expenses are alarmingly high. If you plan to buy a health insurance plan in the US, the cost of coverage of all medical expenses could also be exorbitant. Hence, you must plan your stay in the US wisely and get advance coverage of medical and non-medical expenses. You can choose a US-specific international travel insurance plan. Such a plan will cover all medical costs, such as in-patient care and OPD expenses, up to the sum insured.

Disclaimer: It is essential to verify the policy details and coverage with the official policy documents. Also, kindly consult a professional medical expert to verify the details of health concerns.