Annual observance in January honors everyday heroes whose altruism saves lives
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – January 14, 2026 – January is National Blood Donor Month, and LifeSouth Community Blood Centers is celebrating the everyday heroes who donate blood by collecting and sharing their stories to raise awareness about the importance of giving blood. The annual national observation honors the selfless act of donating blood and encourages first-time donors to give the gift of life in the new year.
“People donate blood for many important reasons. Everyone has their own ‘why,’ and we at LifeSouth are so incredibly grateful to all citizens who give their blood to save lives every day,” said J.D. Pettyjohn, Chief Operating Officer of LifeSouth. “This year, we are asking our donors to share their stories with us, so we can celebrate their ‘why” throughout the year to honor their act of service.”
LifeSouth supplies blood to 70% of Northeast Florida hospital beds through its service to many regional hospitals, including Baptist Medical Center Beaches, Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville, Baptist Medical Center Nassau, Baptist Medical Center South, HCA Florida Memorial Hospital, HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital, UF Health Jacksonville, UF Health North and Wolfson Children’s Hospital. Blood donated with LifeSouth directly helps patients at these hospitals.
“For many people undergoing cancer treatment, blood transfusions are an essential part of their care. If you know someone who has received treatment for cancer, it is likely they received a blood transfusion,” said Dr. Robert Zaiden, Medical Oncologist and Director of Infusion Centers at Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center. “Nearly 25% of all donated blood nationally is used to support patients with cancer, and each donation helps someone stay on track with treatment. Local donors are heroes in the world of oncology.”
National Blood Donor Month was first celebrated in January 1970, after President Richard Nixon issued a proclamation establishing the observance. Now in its 56th year, the observance brings attention to the role that blood donors play in public health at a time when many blood centers around the nation experience a supply shortage. This year’s celebration is especially important, as all blood types are needed to ensure blood is available for patients in need across the local community.
All blood donors will receive a commemorative sweatshirt, and platelet and double red cell donors receive a $40 e-gift card, while supplies last. As a special benefit, LifeSouth is also offering complimentary A1c testing to all blood donors, giving donors the chance to learn if they may have pre-diabetes or diabetes, and more about their health. In addition to A1c testing, all blood donors receive a mini physical including cholesterol screen, blood pressure, pulse, hemoglobin level and temperature.
LifeSouth encourages Northeast Florida residents to participate in National Blood Donor Month in one of the following ways:
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Make a donation. With only an average 1-2 day supply available in the state of Florida, it's more important now than ever to make sure blood is available for patients. LifeSouth welcomes regular and first-time donors to visit one of its donor centers in Northeast Florida, or find one of its signature red, white and blue buses to donate at a mobile blood drive.
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Encourage a first-time donor. Few citizens annually participate in the blood donation process. The best way to make a difference is to encourage someone to donate with you at one of LifeSouth’s donor centers or blood drives.
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Host a blood drive. LifeSouth welcomes the support of businesses, organizations, churches, professional groups and neighborhoods looking for a meaningful way to give back to the community.
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Share your story. Personal stories often inspire others to save lives by donating with LifeSouth. Tag @LifeSouth in posts on Facebook, X or Instagram, and use the hashtag #NationalBloodDonorMonth.
For additional information about donation or to find a blood drive near you, call LifeSouth toll-free at 888-795-2707, visit www.lifesouth.org or download the LifeSouth app. Appointments can also be made online.
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About LifeSouth:
LifeSouth is a non-profit community blood bank serving more than 150 hospitals in Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Tennessee. LifeSouth is committed to meeting the blood supply needs of hospitals and their patients by providing the highest quality blood components and services. The LifeSouth team is dedicated to making sure the blood is there when a patient is in need. To learn more, visit LifeSouth.org. For more resources and information about blood donation, visit donatingblood.org.