Baldwin, Warren Honor January as “National Blood Donor Month"

(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) have introduced a Senate resolution to honor January as “National Blood Donor Month.” U.S. Representatives Mike Quigley (IL-05), Barbara Lee (CA-13) and Joe Heck (NV-03) also introduced this resolution in the House of Representatives.

Throughout the country, more than 39,000 blood donations are needed every day. “National Blood Donor Month” encourages eligible donors to give blood, which helps save lives by ensuring that we have a stable blood supply for common medical procedures and in emergencies. January is a time to honor the generosity of volunteer donors and the work of America’s Blood Centers, AABB, and the American Red Cross, and the importance of blood donation, which is essential to protecting our nation’s health.

The Senate resolution reads in part:

“‘National Blood Donor Month’ acknowledges the important role of volunteer blood donors in protecting the health and emergency preparedness security of the United States; recognizes the need to promote a safe, stable blood supply and to increase volunteer participation of blood donors; [and] endorses efforts to update blood donation policies in a safe and scientifically sound manner to maintain an adequate blood supply…”

Blood donations are critical public health resources. Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood for lifesaving procedures in an emergency, a routine surgery or treatment for a serious illness like cancer. While nearly 38 percent of the United States population is eligible to give blood, only 10 percent of eligible Americans donate each year.

For more information on National Blood Donor Month and local blood drives visit the American Red Cross, America’s Blood Centers or AABB websites.

Read the Senate resolution here.