Louisiana Pharmacists Association 620 Florida St., Suite 210, Baton Rouge, LA 70801 Contact: Julie Fuselier/Crystal Carter Phone: 225-346-6883 | Fax: 225-344-1132 Click here to download this release.
National Blood Donor Month
What is National Blood Donor Month?
January 2024 is the 54th anniversary of National Blood Donor Month. The month of January is usually a time of decreased blood donations and increased blood shortages due to holiday celebrations, weather, and cold and flu season.¹ It is a time to recognize the importance of giving blood and platelets while also encouraging people to become blood donors.
Why donate blood?
There is no substitute for human blood. So, every time a patient receives a blood donation, it comes from a generous blood donor. Donating blood is simple and fast. The donation process can take as little as 45 minutes of your time but can make a lifelong difference for someone else. The general requirements for donating blood are being in good health, being 17 or older, and being at least 110 pounds.² When blood is donated, it is given to a patient in need through a blood transfusion. Blood transfusions help replenish blood lost during surgery or injury, and they help people with certain blood disorders.² In addition to whole blood donation, there are ways to donate specific components, such as platelets or a double unit of red blood cells. This type of donation allows the donor to give only the desired component and have the remaining blood components return to their body during the donation process.³
Tips from pharmacists on donating blood:
Drink an extra 16 ounces of water or non-alcoholic beverage the day of a blood donation.
Eat a healthy, full meal before the blood donation.
Wear a short sleeve shirt or a shirt that you can roll above your elbow.
Have a snack after you donate blood and spend a few minutes to relax.
If you start to experience dizziness or lightheadedness, stop what you’re doing and sit down or lie down until you feel better.⁴
Older individuals can still donate blood and are encouraged to if they are healthy.
Certain medications may delay your ability to donate blood which include but are not limited to:
Anti-platelet agents
Anticoagulants or “blood thinners”
Acne medications such as Accutane
HIV agents such as PEP, PrEP, and antiretroviral therapy
Hepatitis B Immune Globulin⁵
Where to donate blood?
To find the closest blood donation site, use the following link:
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