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Celebrate Blood Donors During National Blood Donor Month in January
Giving back through blood donation sustains community health and ensures Southern California patients can thrive
National Blood Donor Month is a time to recognize and appreciate the lifesaving contributions of blood donors. Blood donations are essential for the health and well-being of people in our communities. Blood transfusions help to save lives, and blood donations are needed to treat a wide range of medical conditions, including cancer, anemia, bleeding disorders, traumas and emergencies.
During National Blood Donor Month, Southern California Blood Bank and San Diego Blood Bank join blood centers across the US to share the importance of blood donations, encourage people to donate blood, and celebrate those who give regularly.
This time of year, we and many blood centers experience shortages. Donations often decline during the winter months due to factors such as cold and flu season and holiday travel.
Right now, there is an URGENT need for blood donations. Our blood supply is critically low and SDBB is experiecing supply chain challenges. We need all eligble lifesavers to lend an arm this month and donate blood and platelets to help ensure our hospitals have enough blood on the shelves.
Every single blood donation makes an impact on life.
People in our community like you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and their families. Give hope and new life by donating blood today.
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Blood donations are a safe and simple way to give back to the community, and they are always needed to meet the demand for blood transfusions.
Southern California Blood Bank offers many convenient opportunities for people to donate blood in Orange and Los Angeles County.
Visit our Irvine Business Direct Donor Center in Corporate Park (Open Tues-Sat; 8:30 am - 4:30 pm) or find our bloodmobile and community sponsored blood drives at local businesses, churches, schools, and organizations throughout OC and LA.
Click here to find a blood drive | Click here to book at Irvine
Join us during National Blood Donor Month to celebrate the generosity of blood donors and encourage more people to become blood donors (and lifesavers).
This month, when you give with Southern California Blood Bank, find one of our blood drop stickers and wear it proudly. We invite you to snap a pic, post on social media, and tag us to inspire more blood donations in 2023! You can even donate blood in honor of National Blood Donor Month with donor code: NBDM at check-in.
Who can donate blood?
To donate blood, you must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in general good health.
Click the links to find more information on blood donor eligibility, frequently asked questions, and updated FDA requirements. There have been some updates by the FDA in 2020 and in 2022 making some people eligible to donate blood again.
Find a location to give blood near you by clicking "Book Now" or call (844) 380-5220.
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Need more information? Contact donorservices@sdbb.org or use this Contact Form.
Not eligible to give blood in January? Click here to learn more about how you can support #NBDM.
Use any of the facts and tools on the blog or on social media to share and inspire your communities to save lives.
Keep scrolling for more blood donation facts, tips, and ways to support and celebrate National Blood Donor Month 2023!
Why do blood donors give blood?
- A duty to serve, feeling "called" to give
- “It’s the right thing to do”
- For someone they love, in memory, or in honor
- Because they can, and are healthy and willing
- In place of all those who are not able to give
- For the community and to do something good for the greater good
- Because blood cannot be manufactured
- Because the need is constant
If any of these above resonate with YOU, this is your invitation to become a blood donor, or to come back and start donating again.
Local patients are grateful for blood donations and caring blood donors.
What are some facts about blood donation?
- Approximately 3% of the U.S. population donates blood each year
- A blood transfusion occurs in the U.S. every 2 seconds
- More than 15 million red blood cells, platelets, and plasma units were transfused in 2019, averaging nearly 42,000 blood components transfused to patients daily
- More than a quarter (1/4) of the U.S. blood supply is used by patients battling cancer
- Blood transfusions are needed in the U.S. in 1 out of every 83 childbirth deliveries
Source: AABB U.S. Blood Donation Statistics and Public Messaging Guide - May 2022 - Volume 1
I am not able to donate blood. How can I support SDBB and blood donation?
There are many ways to give back with SDBB! We know not everyone is eligible to donate blood for patients due to eligibility requirements and deferrals for certain medications, travel, medical history, and more. Check out the list of impactful ways you can help make a difference during NBDM and all year round:
Share Impact: Share your blood donation on social media with your networks to inspire more blood donations and tag @socabloodbank and @sdbloodbank (Facebook & Twitter) | @sandiegobloodbank (Instagram)
Sign Up: Volunteer at a blood drive, special event, or donor center. Get involved
Give Now: Make a one-time or monthly financial gift in support of our capital fundraising campaign for a new bloodmobile, and find out if your company matches charitable donations.
Support Research: Donate blood to research projects to ensure future generations have access to more personalized medical treatments and help find cures for life-threatening diseases. Learn more and join the All of Us Research Program
Related Events, Stories and Helpful Links
Read Now | SDCCU Hosts Blood Drives on Jan 4 During National Blood Donor Month
Learn More | Read stories from local patients who have received lifesaving blood
Read Now | Blood Donation FAQs
Read Now | COVID-19 and Blood Donation
Read Now | FDA Eligibility Update for UK Donors and Mad Cow
