January 30, 2020 - Issue: Vol. 166, No. 20 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 2nd Session

[Page H716]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       NATIONAL BLOOD DONOR MONTH

  (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, 50 years ago, President 
Richard Nixon designated January as National Blood Donor Month.
  The decision to choose January for this occasion was no coincidence. 
There is often a shortage of blood in January. In the winter months, 
eligible donors don't give blood as frequently because both the 
holidays as well as the cold and flu season are quickly approaching.
  No matter the time of year, donating blood can help save a life, and 
there is always a demand. According to the American Red Cross, someone 
in the United States needs blood every 2 seconds, and approximately 
36,000 units of red blood cells are needed each and every day.
  However, less than 38 percent of the U.S. population is eligible to 
give blood, and only 3 percent of those individuals donate annually.
  There are often opportunities to donate blood right here on Capitol 
Hill, and the Red Cross is hosting its next blood drive on Wednesday, 
February 5, in the Ford Building. I would like to encourage those 
eligible to take some time out of their day to make a difference in the 
lives of others by donating blood.

                          ____________________