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National Blood Donor Month

Give the gift of life this National Blood Donor Month - sign up to donate and help save lives today!

Friday

1–31

January 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEAll of January

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYPublic Health

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

January is National Blood Donor Month, a time to celebrate and recognize the importance of blood donations! This important holiday has been around since 1970, when it was first recognized in the United States. It serves as an annual reminder that donating blood is not only a life-saving act of kindness but also a way for individuals to give back to their communities. During this month, many organizations host events and campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of blood donations and encourage people to donate. So join us in celebrating National Blood Donor Month – because every drop counts!

TIMELINE

National Blood Donor Month Timeline

Early Blood Transfusion Experiments

British physician William Harvey discovered the circulation of blood, leading to early experiments with blood transfusion.

Discovery of Blood Groups

Austrian scientist Karl Landsteiner discovered the first three human blood types - A, B, and O, revolutionizing the field of blood transfusion.

First Blood Bank

The first modern blood bank was established at Chicago's Cook County Hospital during World War II.

International Red Cross Involvement

The International Red Cross started their first blood donation service in Britain, encouraging global participation.

National Blood Donor Month Established

National Blood Donor Month was established in January to acknowledge and honor voluntary blood donors and to encourage blood donation.

Modern Blood Donor Campaigns

Various worldwide campaigns encourage regular blood donation, highlighting the critical role it plays in saving lives.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Blood Donor Month

Organize a blood drive

Gather your family, friends, and local community to organize a blood drive. Invite local doctors, nurses, and volunteers to participate in the drive to help encourage more people to donate.

SPREAD

Spread awareness

Share information about the importance of blood donations on social media with friends and family. Encourage them to donate blood or consider joining a bone marrow registry.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer at a blood donation center

Find a local blood donation center and volunteer your time to help out. You can provide support to donors by helping with registration, offering refreshments, and providing emotional support.

DONATE

Donate money

Make a monetary contribution to your local blood bank or national organization that supports blood donations. Your donation will help with the costs of collecting, processing and distributing blood products.

HOST

Host an event

Host an event for National Blood Donor Month like a fundraiser or educational seminar about the importance of donating blood. Invite your local hospitals and health organizations to the event.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why National Blood Donor Month is Important

You get free health screenings

When you donate at a participating blood drive or center, you will be given basic health screenings such as temperature, cholesterol, hemoglobin and iron levels. This gives you an opportunity to check in with yourself and get a comprehensive look at your current health.

Blood donation saves lives

Every single day, countless patients in need of lifesaving blood transfusions rely on generous donors like you to donate blood. By donating during National Blood Donor Month (or any other time), you are helping to save a life!

It's easy and convenient

Most blood drives are relatively quick and painless - all it takes is a little bit of your time. Plus, many locations now offer the convenience of online registration to make scheduling your appointments even easier and faster!

Related holidays

SUN

Jun 2026

Awareness

World Blood Donor Day

Give the gift of life this World Blood Donor Day - every donation has the power to save up to 3 lives!

National Donate Life Month

April is National Donate Life Month, a time to honor organ donors and raise awareness for the life-saving gift of organ donation. Register today!

National Donor Day

Give the gift of life this National Donor Day - sign up to become an organ donor and help save countless lives!

Red Cross Week

Join us for Red Cross Week and be a hero to those in need - donate blood, volunteer, or make a difference with your support!

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