National Blood Donor Month

History of National Volunteer Blood Donor Month

On December 31, 1969, President Richard Nixon signed Proclamation 3952, designating the month of January as National Volunteer Blood Donor month.  In that proclamation, the president wrote, “Genuine concern for his fellow man has always distinguished the American citizen. That concern finds daily expression in countless acts of voluntary service to the less fortunate, the sick, and the injured. 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. The voluntary blood donor truly gives life itself.”

The month of January is an appropriate time to observe this important national event.  First, it is traditionally a month of significant need.  Elective surgeries are often postponed during the busy holiday season and scheduled during the month of January.  As a result, the need for blood donation increases in the first full winter month.  In addition, it is a time for declaring resolutions for change in our lives.  What better resolution than to donate blood every season – making a lifesaving difference for others?

Information from cbco.org