HOUSTON, Texas — January is National Blood Donor Month (NBDM), a time to recognize the lifesaving impact of voluntary blood donors and encourage more people to give. Gulf Coast Blood is calling on the community to help ensure patients across the region have access to blood when it's needed most.

Gulf Coast Blood supports more than 170 hospitals across a 26-county service area, including the Texas Medical Center, the largest medical complex in the world. Blood donations are essential for surgeries, trauma care, cancer treatments, and chronic illnesses, and a steady supply is critical to patient care. 

Each winter, blood donations typically decline due to seasonal illnesses, travel, and weather-related challenges. Despite these seasonal drops, the need for blood remains constant. 

“Blood is a resource that cannot be manufactured, it can only come from people willing to give,” Kevin Shipley, Associate Vice President of Community Engagement, said. “National Blood Donor Month is an important reminder that a single donation can make a life-saving difference for patients in our community.” 

In recognition of NBDM, Gulf Coast Blood is encouraging community members to get involved in one of the following ways: 

• Donate Blood: One donation can help save up to three lives. Appointments can be scheduled at giveblood.org.  
• Host a Blood Drive: Businesses, schools, and organizations can host blood drives throughout the year to support local hospitals. More information is available at giveblood.org/hostablooddrive.
• Volunteer: Volunteers assist at blood drives, support donor services, and help with community outreach. Learn more at giveblood.org/volunteer.

Special Offer for January: Free A1c Testing for Donors

Throughout National Blood Donor Month, Gulf Coast Blood is also offering free A1c testing for donors. This test provides donors with insight into their blood sugar levels while they help meet a critical community need. The program also supports efforts to advance medical research and improve patient care. 

“Donating blood is a simple act that has an extraordinary impact,” Shipley said. “We encourage healthy individuals to start the year by giving blood and helping ensure patients receive the care they depend on.” 

Schedule your next donation online today!
National Blood Donor Month graphics: Click here

About Gulf Coast Blood
Gulf Coast Blood is the sole provider of blood and blood products to Houston and surrounding communities—24 hours a day, 7 days a week. As one of the largest community blood centers in the United States, we serve more than 170 hospitals and healthcare facilities across 26 counties in the Texas Gulf Coast, Brazos Valley, and East Texas regions. Our network includes Gulf Coast Blood East Texas and Gulf Coast Blood Brazos Valley, ensuring patients throughout our service area have access to lifesaving blood when it’s needed most.