January marks national blood donation month, a time to celebrate blood donors and encourage new donations. The winter months provide an increased risk for blood shortages due to holidays, weather, and cold and flu season – so a donation during this season helps ensure blood is readily available to patients during a time when it’s often in short supply.
At Servier, where many recipients of our medicines rely on these life-saving measures during the course of their treatments, we emphasize the importance of blood donation and encourage your participation if possible.
For Servier’s US Lead for Patient Engagement and Patient Advocacy, Tara Brown, this initiative hits extra close to home. As a regular blood donor and mother of a blood donation recipient, Tara has shared about her experiences and the importance of donating blood.
Servier: Why is blood donation month important to you?
TB: My son is an ALL survivor and received countless blood transfusions during his leukemia treatment. Donating blood is more than an act of kindness – it’s the gift of hope and survival.
Servier: What is something you wish people knew about blood donations?
TB: Every 2 seconds someone in the US needs blood products. Donated blood products have a limited shelf life, red cells can be stored for 42 days and platelets for only 5 days. It is a quick and easy process to donate blood.
Servier: As the mother of a blood donation recipient, what have you learned of its impact?
TB: One blood donation can help up to 3 people. There is no substitute for blood, blood can’t be manufactured. Blood is needed every day.
Servier: What can Servier employees do to support patients during blood donation month and beyond?
TB: Blood donation is the gift of life – one simple act can save multiple lives and offer hope to those in need.
Want to get involved in National Blood Donor Month? There are many avenues:
If you’re interested in donating blood, you can