National Blood Donor Month is a time to recognize and appreciate the lifesaving contributions of blood donors. Blood donations are essential for the health and well-being of people in our communities. Blood transfusions help to save lives, and blood donations are needed to treat a wide range of medical conditions, including cancer, anemia, bleeding disorders, traumas and emergencies.
During National Blood Donor Month, San Diego Blood Bank joins blood centers across the US to share the importance of blood donations, encourage people to donate blood, and celebrate those who give regularly.
This time of year, we and many blood centers experience shortages. Donations often decline during the winter months due to factors such as cold and flu season and holiday travel.
Right now, there is an URGENT need for blood donations. Our blood supply is critically low and SDBB is experiecing supply chain challenges. We need all eligble lifesavers to lend an arm this month and donate blood and platelets to help ensure our hospitals have enough blood on the shelves.
Every single blood donation makes an impact on life.
People in our community like you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and their families. Give hope and new life by donating blood today.
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Blood donations are a safe and simple way to give back to the community, and they are always needed to meet the demand for blood transfusions.
San Diego Blood Bank offers many convenient opportunities for people to donate blood at nine (9) Southern California donor centers and through the support of our fleet of 10 bloodmobiles, bringing community sponsored blood drives directly to your workplace, church, school, or organization. Click here to find a blood drive or center
Join us during National Blood Donor Month to celebrate the generosity of blood donors and encourage more people to become blood donors (and lifesavers).
This month, when you give with San Diego Blood Bank, find one of our blood drop stickers and wear it proudly. We invite you to snap a pic, post on social media, and tag us to inspire more blood donations in 2023! You can even donate blood in honor of National Blood Donor Month with donor code: NBDM at check-in.
Who can donate blood?
To donate blood, you must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 114 pounds, and be in general good health.
Click the links to find more information on blood donor eligibility, frequently asked questions, and updated FDA requirements. There have been some updates by the FDA in 2020 and in 2022 making some people eligible to donate blood again.
Find a location to give blood near you by clicking “Book Now” or call (619) 400-8251.
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Need more information? Contact donorservices@sdbb.org or use this Contact Form.
Not eligible to give blood in January? Click here to learn more about how you can support #NBDM.
- Print our flyer and post at work, school, coffee shop, or library to help inspire blood donations. View Flyer – PDF (1158 KB)
- Use any of the facts and tools on the blog or on social media to share and inspire your communities to save lives. Get more inspo at donatingblood.org
Keep scrolling for more blood donation facts, tips, and ways to support and celebrate National Blood Donor Month 2023!
Why do blood donors give blood?
- A duty to serve, feeling “called” to give
- “It’s the right thing to do”
- For someone they love, in memory, or in honor
- Because they can, and are healthy and willing
- In place of all those who are not able to give
- For the community and to do something good for the greater good
- Because blood cannot be manufactured
- Because the need is constant
If any of these above resonate with YOU, this is your invitation to become a blood donor, or to come back and start donating again.
Local patients are grateful for blood donations and caring blood donors.
What are some facts about blood donation?
- Approximately 3% of the U.S. population donates blood each year
- A blood transfusion occurs in the U.S. every 2 seconds
- More than 15 million red blood cells, platelets, and plasma units were transfused in 2019, averaging nearly 42,000 blood components transfused to patients daily
- More than a quarter (1/4) of the U.S. blood supply is used by patients battling cancer
- Blood transfusions are needed in the U.S. in 1 out of every 83 childbirth deliveries
Source: AABB U.S. Blood Donation Statistics and Public Messaging Guide – May 2022 – Volume 1
I am not able to donate blood. How can I support SDBB and blood donation?
There are many ways to give back with SDBB! We know not everyone is eligible to donate blood for patients due to eligibility requirements and deferrals for certain medications, travel, medical history, and more.
Check out the list of impactful ways you can help make a difference during NBDM and all year round:
- Post Flyers: Print our flyer and post at work, school, coffee shop, or library to help inspire blood donations. View Flyer – PDF (1158 KB)
- Amplify Our Cause: Promote SDBB’s social media posts with your networks to inspire more blood donations. Visit our social media pages: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
- Sign Up: Volunteer at a blood drive, special event, or donor center. Get involved
- Give Now: Make a one-time or monthly financial gift in support of our capital fundraising campaign for a new bloodmobile, and find out if your company matches charitable donations.
- Support Research: Donate blood to research projects to ensure future generations have access to more personalized medical treatments and help find cures for life-threatening diseases. Learn more and join the All of Us Research Program
- Partner with SDBB: Align your company or organization with our lifesaving mission by joining our Community Guardians partner program bringing San Diegans together to protect the local blood supply through the support of organizations like yours.
National Blood Donor Month, Blood Shortage, & SDBB in the Media
Read Now | “San Diego Blood Bank: Blood donations low during winter” | KPBS (01/05/2023)
Read Now | “San Diego Blood Bank calls for increased donations as shortage looms” | The San Diego Union-Tribune (12/19/2022)
Related Events, Stories & Helpful Links
Visit Site | Advancing Community Health and Wellness Through Innovation | San Diego Blood Bank Impact Report 2021-22
Read Now | SDCCU Hosts Blood Drives on Jan 4 During National Blood Donor Month
Book Now | Padres Winter Blood Drive in Gallagher Square at Petco Park on Jan 10
Learn More | Read stories from local patients who have received lifesaving blood
Read Now | Blood Donation FAQs
Read Now | COVID-19 and Blood Donation
Read Now | FDA Eligibility Update for UK Donors and Mad Cow