HHS Urges Blood Donation During National Blood Donor Month

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services marked National Blood Donor Month in a new blog post authored by Assistant Secretary for Health Admiral Rachel Levine, MD. In the post, Levine celebrated the generosity of blood donors and highlighted the critical need for consistent blood donations, especially during the winter months.

Levine also focused on the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in blood donation, sharing how diverse blood donors play a critical role in helping provide a sufficient supply of compatible blood types. She also applauded the Food and Drug Administration’s 2023 approval of individual donor assessment, which introduced gender-neutral donor eligibility criteria and expanded blood donation opportunities for gay and bisexual men.

Finally, Levine urged eligible members of the public to become regular blood donors, emphasizing that while many people donate blood after disasters, patients need blood year-round. She encouraged readers to visit HHS’s Giving = Living website to learn more about blood donation, check their eligibility and schedule a blood donation appointment.