Turn Loss Into Action With Blood Donation January 7, 2026 Every drop of donated blood carries the potential to save a life. For Megan Hosmer, that truth became deeply personal after the loss of her stepdaughter, Ava, in 2019. “I was afraid of donating blood for most of my life,” Hosmer said. “But watching what Ava went through — how often she needed transfusions during cancer treatment — made me realize I could do something and make a difference.” Hosmer, a quality and accreditation administrator for the Graduate Medical Education program at Samaritan Health Services, started donating blood when Marion County resident Larry McCool and his therapy llama, Caesar, hosted a blood drive in honor of Ava. “She loved animals and had a special connection with Caesar,” Hosmer said. “Their bond inspired Larry to create Caesar’s Heroes and host several blood drives each year.” Why blood donation matters Many people associate blood donation with trauma or emergency surgery, but the need is far broader. Blood is essential for a wide range of medical situations, including cancer, burns, organ transplants, childbirth, liver failure, sickle cell disease and anemia. “You don’t realize how many conditions require blood,” Hosmer said. “Ava couldn’t leave the hospital until her numbers were up, and that meant constant transfusions.” According to the American Red Cross, someone in the U.S. needs blood every two seconds (that’s about 100 people in the time it takes to read this article), yet only a small percentage of eligible donors give blood regularly. This gap between supply and demand can lead to shortages and put lives at risk. Tracking the journey A unique aspect of donating blood is tracking its path. Through the American Red Cross app, donors can follow their blood’s journey from donation to testing and delivery. “Most of my blood has stayed along the West Coast between California and Washington,” Hosmer said. “I was excited when I saw it delivered locally to Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis.” Hosmer said seeing her blood go to the hospital where she works was pretty special. “Someone in our community is getting my blood to help them through cancer, trauma or surgery. It’s community helping community.” The power of year-round giving National Blood Donor Month was established in January 1970 to address the decline of blood donations during winter months. While January is a great time to start or renew your commitment to donating, the impact is greatest when donors give throughout the year. How you can help: Schedule regular donations. Whole blood can be donated every 56 days, and platelets every seven days. Encourage others to donate. Invite friends, family and co-workers to join you. Host blood drives. Partner with local businesses to organize donation events. Donating blood is one of the easiest and most generous acts a person can do, and Hosmer’s story is a reminder that whether you donate once a year or once a month, your contribution matters. “Your blood can change someone’s day or their life,” Hosmer said. “Next time you see a blood drive, consider stopping by. You might be the reason someone gets to go home from the hospital.” Donating is free and takes about an hour. To find a blood donation center or blood drive near you, go to redcrossblood.org/Give.
