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Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood from a blood donor, yet only 3% of age-eligible people donate blood annually.  

Blood donation saves countless lives, not just for patients with traumatic injuries or needing surgery, but also for cancer patients and those with chronic conditions like sickle cell disease.  

During National Blood Donor Month, it’s important to recognize the necessity of blood donation and show gratitude for those who donate. Colleagues share their thoughts on why blood donation matters so much — and why it’s easier to donate than you may think.  

Lucas Ivan Bjorkheim, research assistant, Mulligan Lab; member, UW Medicine Transplant Advisory Council

“I know firsthand how important blood donation is because receiving donated blood saved my life. I had a bacterial stomach infection that caused a duodenal ulcer and upper bleed. I was bleeding for hours without knowing before I went to the emergency department.  

I didn’t realize how critical my state was until I was in the ER, and a member of my care team said they couldn’t wait the 20 minutes it would take for a normal donation to come through. I was pretty scared at that point. I received a directed blood donation from the hospital itself, using a universal blood type because there was no time for me to be cross-matched. In total they transfused about two-thirds of my total blood volume. I also needed surgery to stop the internal bleeding.  

I try to give back through the work I do, and through donating blood every few months. I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for blood donors.” 

Andrew M. McCoy, MD, MS, program director, EMS Fellowship, Department of Emergency Medicine

“Many people don’t realize that the amount of blood we give to a patient varies widely based on their condition and if they are still bleeding in the emergency department. Some patients improve with one unit of blood products, but I have also cared for patients with complex bleeding that is difficult to control. Some of these patients require over 100 units of blood to manage their injuries. 

Blood donation doesn’t hurt and doesn’t need to be scary! The people who help with your donation are incredibly friendly and can help you understand and appreciate the gift you are making to a stranger.” 

Richard Utarnachitt, MD, medical director, Airlift Northwest

“Airlift Northwest carries blood products on every helicopter and fixed-wing mission in the Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and Idaho region. This means that a hemorrhaging patient can start receiving a lifesaving blood transfusion anywhere where Airlift Northwest is transporting. This capability is only made possible by the generosity of blood donors who replenish this precious resource.

It’s important for people to know that no donated blood products carried by Airlift Northwest are ever wasted. Great lengths are made to maintain the blood products at a safe temperature before they are transfused. Any unused blood products are put back into circulation at the main blood bank to be used at Harborview Medical Center.”

Juan Cotto, director of government affairs, BloodworksNW 

“The demand for blood is constant, and there’s no substitute for human blood — it can only come from generous donors. At UW Medicine, where cutting-edge treatments and life-saving interventions occur daily, a stable blood supply is an invisible yet vital part of delivering exceptional care. 

We also want to emphasize the growing importance of recruiting a diverse pool of blood donors. Patients often require matches beyond just blood type; certain genetic markers play a crucial role in compatibility. Donors from all racial and ethnic backgrounds are essential to addressing this need, especially for conditions like sickle cell anemia, which predominantly affects Black communities. 

By donating blood or spreading the word, UW Medicine employees can continue their tradition of leadership in healthcare — not just in treatment, but in ensuring we all have the resources to save lives.” 

Donating blood once can save three lives. Learn more about donating blood and schedule an appointment to donate blood at a location that’s convenient for you. Regular blood drives are held at University of Washington campuses.

Editor’s note: Responses were lightly edited for length, clarity and style. Any information or opinions shared in this article are personal views, and do not represent those of the University of Washington or UW Medicine in any way, shape, or form.