Giving Local: January is Blood Donor Awareness Month

January is Blood Donor Awareness Month, a time to recognize the lifesaving impact of blood donation and the dedicated organizations that make this work possible every day. Blood is needed for surgeries, trauma care, cancer treatments, and chronic illnesses, yet it cannot be manufactured. Hospitals depend entirely on donors and on strong local systems to collect and deliver blood safely and efficiently. One donation can help multiple patients, and local donations are especially critical during emergencies when time matters most.

To better understand why donating locally makes such a difference, I spoke with Lori Russell, District Director at LifeSouth Community Blood Centers. LifeSouth serves Fayette County and ensures that blood donated locally stays within the community.

“We truly believe in giving local to save local,” Russell explains. “When blood is collected close to home and delivered to nearby hospitals, it strengthens the connection between donors and patients and allows hospitals to respond more quickly when the need arises.”

That commitment is especially evident in LifeSouth’s emergency readiness efforts. Through a partnership with Fayette County Fire and Emergency Services, blood is now available on emergency transport vehicles. This allows first responders to begin transfusions before a patient even reaches the hospital in severe trauma cases, an advancement that has already saved lives. As Russell puts it, blood donated locally can save lives before a patient even reaches the hospital.

Maintaining a reliable blood supply requires constant effort. Blood has a limited shelf life, donations must be given regularly and distributed efficiently. One of the biggest challenges since the pandemic has been a decline in young donors. High school and early college students, often referred to as the donation generation, have traditionally made up a significant portion of the blood supply.

To address this, LifeSouth hosts the annual Battle for the Blood in Fayette County, bringing together local high schools including McIntosh, Whitewater, Sandy Creek, Starr’s Mill, and Fayette County High. The friendly competition encourages students to donate and helps create positive first experiences. “If someone donates at 16 and feels supported and appreciated, they are much more likely to donate again and encourage others to do the same,” Russell shares. Be sure to look out for the upcoming Battle for the Blood event on www.lifesouth.org.

In many states, individuals as young as 16 may be eligible to donate blood, with parental consent, and there is no upper age limit as long as health and weight requirements are met. Whole blood donations can usually be made every 56 days. Eligibility rules vary, so it is best to check with your local blood center such as LifeSouth Community Blood Centers or the American Red Cross.

Not everyone is eligible to donate, but everyone can help. Hosting a blood drive, volunteering, supporting local blood organizations, or encouraging friends and family to donate all make a meaningful difference.

While Blood Donor Awareness Month highlights this important cause, the need for blood never stops. Local donations ensure that when emergencies happen, patients receive the care they need without delay.