It’s a brand new year, and while many of us are busy making resolutions to eat more veggies or walk more steps, there’s one simple way to kick off 2026 that could make a world of difference: donating blood. Yes, donating blood is a perfectly good and lifesaving resolution! This wouldn’t just be a feel-good moment, but donating blood can save multiple lives and help research, which seems like an impressive thing to add to your life this year!
Blood is always in demand, and according to the American Red Cross (https://www.redcrossblood.org/), someone in the U.S. needs blood every two seconds. That means each pint you give can help up to three patients in need. Now, the Red Cross sometimes even shares when your donation is on its way to help, which can make your donation even more rewarding! Hospitals and medical facilities rely on donations for surgeries, cancer treatment, non-cancer treatment infusions, trauma care, and more. This means, when you roll up your sleeve, you’re not just lounging on their comfortable beds, you’re giving someone another chance of life after a potentially terrible accident or the lifesaving plasma they need for ongoing treatment.
While this may only appeal to the older folks, donating blood has surprising benefits, too. First, the quick health screening before every donation checks your blood pressure, pulse, and hemoglobin, offering a mini “health checkup.” Studies also suggest regular blood donation may reduce iron stores, which could lower cardiovascular risk (source: Mayo Clinic, https://www.mayoclinic.org). If you have wondered what your iron may be or if you are a good candidate for giving “double reds,” these are free ways to find out!
What stops most people? They worry about the needles and fainting, and yet, even those with needle fears have great success at blood drives! Most donors say it’s easier than they imagined, and staff are pros at keeping you comfortable. Your team can cover your needle, keep your feet propped up and make sure your blood pressure is right on track so you don’t have to worry. Ways to ensure you feel even better are to eat iron-rich foods like spinach, beans, or lean meats before donating, and stay hydrated. You’ll see bottled water waiting for you when you check in, grab one! Your body will thank you!
If you’ve never been to a local blood drive, you may be surprised to see what a community event they are. Whether donating at a local community space like one of the many churches or the bigger drives at the ELKS there is always a sense of camaraderie. From local volunteers supporting the Red Cross staff, to others you will see making their donations too! January can be a lonelier month, what better way to beat the winter blues than to do something heroic and get out there!
January is Blood Donation Month. A great month to remind us, this may be something we want to do this year! However, if donating still feels overwhelming or you aren’t a candidate for donating blood, you can always volunteer at a local drive to be part of the greater good of saving lives too! Check out the Red Cross website above for volunteer opportunities.
When it comes to resolutions, they don’t always have to be changing your whole diet or a Wellness Center membership to make a real difference in your life or someone else’s. Sometimes, all it takes is a little time to go to a blood drive a couple times a year to really make a change. Give your New Year a dose of heart, kindness, and action; donate, volunteer, and spread the word about the need for supporting local blood drives. Remember, every pint counts! Get out there this year and give blood, save a life this year!