Governors across the United States have declared State Blood Donation Days to help combat our nation’s blood shortage as part of National Blood Donation Week (NBDW).
Blood supplies have been critical in many parts of the country and natural disasters, such as fires and hurricanes, tax blood banks even more.
What makes NBDW so unique is that both Republican and Democratic governors are uniting and coming together for a common cause.
This year National Blood Donation Week is September 3-10th with September 5th being National Blood Donation Day.
Governors in the following states have already proclaimed September 5th to be their state Blood Donation Day for 2018:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Utah
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- more to come
Arizona has proclaimed September 3-10th Arizona Blood Donation Week with more to come.
Oklahoma has proclaimed the month of September Oklahoma Blood Donation Month.
Alaska proclaimed the month of July Alaska Blood Donation Month.
“Blood and platelet donations are currently being distributed to hospitals as fast as donations are coming in, and more donations are needed, especially type O, to replenish the blood supply,” said Laurie Nehring, communications director for the American Red Cross. “We appreciate Dr. Daliah’s efforts to educate the public about the importance of regular blood donations.”
Emergency rooms treating trauma victims, hospitals treating anemic patients, and medical clinics replenishing low blood levels in cancer patients require a steady supply of blood products.
38% of the U.S. population is eligible to donate blood but less than 10% actually do.
“The unified effort across America to proclaim state blood donation days around the Labor Day holiday comes at an important time for patients,” said Mitzy Edgecomb, Blood Systems Vice President, Donor Marketing & Communication. “Blood donations often drop dramatically during the summer months and over holiday weeks when regular donors take time away to enjoy family vacations. We appreciate and applaud the governors from the multiple states who have called attention to the ongoing need for blood donations and thank those who step forward to make a life-transforming impact on others by giving blood.”
Donating blood is easy and takes less than one hour. Many places of work can hold blood drives so employees don’t have to take off work (plus you get yummy cookies).
Dr. Daliah giving blood.
Inconsistent donation patterns during the year result in unpredictable and reliable blood supply numbers, hence donation is requested year round.
United Blood Services suggests donating three times a year.
The summer and holiday season appear to be the “driest” in terms of donations. States and regions frequently need to ship blood to areas who are in need.
One pint of blood has the potential to save three lives. Imagine what the whole country can do!
For a list of Governor Proclamations visit here.
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Daliah Wachs is a guest contributor to GCN news, her views and opinions, medical or otherwise, if expressed, are her own. Doctor Wachs is an MD, FAAFP and a Board Certified Family Physician. The Dr. Daliah Show , is nationally syndicated M-F from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm and Saturday from Noon-1:00 pm (all central times) at GCN.