What if you could save a life in 10 minutes?

That’s right. 10 minutes.

Every 2 seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Donating blood is one of the easiest things you can do to make the biggest impact on someone’s life, and the actual donation is usually less than 10 minutes. January is National Blood Donor Month, making it a great time to raise awareness about the importance of blood donation and the impact it can have on those in need–especially children with pediatric cancer.

Approximately 2 out of 3 pediatric cancer patients will require multiple blood transfusions during the course of their treatment. These transfusions can help to replace red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets that are lost or damaged due to chemotherapy and other cancer treatments. To date, it has been difficult to keep a consistent supply of blood on hand for patients, even the ones who need it most.

The blood shortage continues

Last fall, the American Red Cross declared a national blood shortage, citing a critically low supply that dropped over 25% since August. This has led to serious consequences, as the country relies heavily on donated blood to meet the demand for blood transfusions and other medical procedures. Some hospitals may not receive the blood products they need, leading to delays or even the cancellations of necessary medical procedures, which can compromise the health and well-being of those in need of blood transfusions.

That’s where blood donors come in. Blood donations can make a huge difference in the lives of patients, especially pediatric cancer patients. They can help to improve energy levels, reduce the risk of infection, and improve overall quality of life. In some cases, blood transfusions can be life-saving.

Be part of the 3%

One of the big reasons for the blood shortage is only 3% of age-eligible people donate blood yearly. These donors are integral to supplying life-saving blood to people around the country. But we can do better than 3%! There are several ways that individuals and organizations can get involved and help support pediatric cancer patients during National Blood Donor Month.

• Donate blood yourself. Use this tool from the American Red Cross to find a drive near you. Type O, especially O-negative, is the most requested blood type from hospitals.
• Host a blood drive, or lead one through your company. This might not be as complicated as you think and with the right team, you’ll have a ton of support to make a huge difference
• Volunteer with the Red Cross to support blood drives. This can be anything from greeting donors to providing donor transportation
• Raise awareness via social media. If you’re unable to donate blood yourself, you can still make a difference by spreading the word about the importance of blood donation. Share information about National Blood Donor Month on social media and encourage others to donate or host their own blood drives. Even sharing this blog with others can help educate people on the importance of donating blood this year.

To kick off 2024, National Blood Donor Month is a great opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of blood donation and the impact it can have on those in need. By getting involved, we can make a real difference, especially in the lives of children and families affected by pediatric cancer. Whether you donate blood yourself, host a blood drive, or simply spread the word about the importance of blood donation, you can play a crucial role in supporting pediatric cancer patients and helping to save lives.

Here to Serve can make a difference

As we approach the new year with new intentions, Here to Serve remains true to its mission of helping families deal with the burdens of pediatric cancer. Learn more about the wide range of services we offer, and if you or someone you know needs support, get help today!

References:

1. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/education/blood/donation#:~:text=Only%203%25%20of%20age%2Deligible,a%20more%20diverse%20blood%20supply.
2. https://www.redcross.org/about-us/news-and-events/press-release/2023/red-cross-announces-national-blood-shortage.html
3. https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/how-to-donate/how-blood-donations-help/blood-needs-blood-supply.html#:~:text=Every%202%20seconds%20someone%20in,each%20year%20in%20the%20U.S.
4. Image:https://www.redcrossblood.org/hosting-a-blood-drive/learn-about-hosting/why-host-a-blood-drive.html?adobe_mc=MCMID%3D85587643638503296112245618947459724608%7CMCORGID%3D723A22C757518E2C7F000101%2540AdobeOrg%7CTS%3D1672509222

About the Author

Emily Rogalin is a copywriter in healthcare advertising in NYC. Having lost multiple members in her family to cancer, she is honored to help bring support to families on this difficult journey.

This blog was updated from a previous Here to Serve blog post.

All information on this blog is for informational and educational purposes only. Always consult a medical provider in your particular area of need before making significant changes in your medical decisions or lifestyle.