January was first declared National Blood Donor Month by President Richard Nixon in 1969 to honor the selfless contributions of volunteer blood donors and encourage lifesaving donations during a time when supplies traditionally decline. This month continues to be celebrated each year.
Every January, AABB, in collaboration with others in the blood community, honors the donors who help maintain the nation's blood supply and the professionals who support them. Due to holiday celebrations, inclement weather and illness, the winter months are often a time of reduced donations and an increased risk for blood shortages. National Blood Donor Month celebrates blood donors and reminds people of the importance of donating blood during this critical time.
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Volunteer Spotlight: Keán ThompsonBACK TO ISSUE
January 2026
Transfusion is AABB’s scholarly, peer-reviewed monthly journal, publishing the latest on technological advances, clinical research and controversial issues related to transfusion medicine, blood banking, biotherapies and tissue transplantation. Access of Transfusion is free to all AABB members.
Learn More About Transfusion Journal
Keep abreast of what's happening in the field of biotherapies with CellSource - AABB's monthly update on the latest biotherapies news.
To submit news about the blood and biotherapies field to AABB, please email news@aabb.org.
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AABB News
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AABB is an international, not-for-profit association representing individuals and institutions involved in transfusion medicine, cellular therapies and patient blood management. The association is committed to improving health by developing and delivering standards, accreditation and educational programs that focus on optimizing patient and donor care and safety.
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