January 26, 2026
Media Contact: Tes La Dieu, Population Health Manager and Public Information Officer, taylor.ladieu@vdh.virginia.gov
January is National Blood Donor Month
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – Winter is traditionally a time when blood donations decline due to weather conditions, holiday travel, and seasonal illnesses. These factors can put blood supplies at risk.
January marks the 57th National Blood Donor Month, a time to honor the lifesaving contributions of blood donors and raise awareness about the urgent need for donations. Every blood donor plays a crucial role in helping to sustain the health and wellbeing of the residents within our local communities.
“The American Red Cross reports that every two seconds, a person in the United States needs blood. Blood is essential to help patients survive surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries; however, only 3% of age-eligible adults donate blood each year,” says Population Health Manager, Tes La Dieu. “Donating blood is life-saving for those in need.”
A single blood donation can save up to three lives. When you give blood, you don’t just save a life – you become part of someone’s story of survival. Some of the ways blood donations save lives include:
- Trauma and emergency care
- Cancer treatments
- Surgeries
- Chronic illnesses
- Blood disorders
- Childbirth complications
Every two seconds someone in the United States requires a blood transfusion. More than 42,000 units of red cells, platelets, and plasma are used by patients every day.
In order to donate blood, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be healthy on the day of donation
- Weigh a minimum of 110 pounds
- Be a minimum of 17 years old for Virginia residents (16 years old with parent or guardian consent)
Additional screening questions will be asked at the time of your blood donation.
Blood is unable to be manufactured or synthesized like other medical treatments. Blood donors are the sole source of life-saving blood products.
Donors can easily find a nearby blood drive and schedule an appointment by visiting redcrossblood.org
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