National Blood Donor Month 2026: Why I Give
Thanking America's Volunteer Donors

There's a why behind
every donation.
Tell us yours.

Share your story this January 2026 and inspire someone's second chance. Every donation has a personal motivation—discover what drives others and find your own reason to give.

Get Your Graphics Share Your Story
M
Mayah Z.
"We're forever grateful to the people who saved my life."
J
James G.
"Thank you, blood donors. You are true heroes."
S
Scott P.
"I truly believe early blood transfusions made a difference in me being alive."
B
Breanna S.
"Donating blood is doing something good for others."
Thank You Heroes

To every donor: You are the reason miracles happen

Your generosity creates ripples of hope that extend far beyond what you can imagine. Here's our gratitude, shared in ways you can pass along.

Every donation counts

One pint of blood can save multiple lives. Your hour of time gives someone else their tomorrow. Thank you for being the hero in someone's story.

6.8M+
Blood donations needed annually
1 in 7
People entering hospitals need blood
38%
Of population eligible to donate
Real Stories, Real Impact

Why people give

Every donor has a story. Here are some of the personal reasons that motivate people to roll up their sleeves and save lives.

Blood doesn't come from anywhere other than another human being. If we don't have donors, we don't have blood.
T

Tansy

Trauma survivor, required 100 units of blood.

The question isn't why should I donate. The question is why wouldn't I? It's so easy and means so much to somebody else.
J

Jason

Regular donor, on behalf of his mother

I knew the importance of platelet donations firsthand. So, when I was asked if I wanted to donate, I didn't hesitate. I said yes because I want to save lives.
H

Heather

Began donating to support her mom during her cancer treatment

Giving blood is a relatively free way to give back to people and benefits someone who needs something — literally a life‑saving gift.
C

Cameron

Donated after his wife was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer, requiring blood transfusions as part of her treatment

What motivates me to keep giving blood is knowing there are so many people like my mom who need blood. It gives me a good feeling knowing I'm helping somebody just like somebody helped my mom.
J

Jada

Regular donor who began donating in high school

It makes a difference and is actually a fairly relaxing thing to do. And it's for the good of people that could be your neighbors or your kids or whoever, so why wouldn't you do that?
D

Dan

Regular donor who has given more than 12 gallons of blood

Tell Your Donation Story

Share your why

Now it's your turn. Tell your donation story to inspire someone to give and share it online with the hashtags #WhyIGive and #BloodDonorMonth.

Create Your "Why I Give" Image

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Discover more about this month

Learn about National Blood Donor Month history, get resources for your campaigns, and understand the vital role blood donation plays in healthcare.

About National Blood Donor Month

Discover the history since 1970, learn about the original proclamation, and understand how this important observance has evolved over 50+ years.

Learn the History →

Get Social Media Resources

Access shareable graphics, social media templates, and promotional materials to spread awareness about blood donation in your community.

Get Resources →

Blood Donation Impact

Learn essential facts about blood donation, eligibility requirements, and discover how your donation saves lives in hospitals every day.

Learn More →
2
seconds until someone needs blood♥
Every 2 seconds, someone in America needs a blood transfusion. Your donation today could be their lifeline tomorrow.

Made with heart for heroes who share their why and save lives.