CHRISTUS Health is recognizing National Blood Donor Month by urging community members to learn about the importance of lifesaving blood donation.
Across the United States, the need for blood remains constant. Approximately 29,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day, yet only about 3% of eligible donors give blood annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
This ongoing gap contributes to shortages and underscores the importance of regular community donations.
For patients undergoing cancer treatment, the demand for donated blood is especially pressing. Chemotherapy can impair the bone marrow’s ability to produce healthy red blood cells, frequently resulting in anemia.
“Many cancer patients depend on donated blood to continue treatment,” said Jessica Barringer, registered nurse with CHRISTUS Health in Shreveport-Bossier. “When chemotherapy lowers red blood cell counts, transfusions are often essential.”
According to the CDC, someone in the United States requires blood or platelets every two seconds. These donations are essential for patients undergoing surgeries, cancer treatments, trauma care and other critical medical procedures.
Blood cannot be manufactured and depends entirely on volunteer donors.
To support the national need and provide convenient donation opportunities, CHRISTUS Health will host the following community events:
- Feb. 5, 2026 — CHRISTUS Cardiac Rehab, 9425 HealthPlex Drive, Suite D, Shreveport, La., 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
- March 17, 2026 — CHRISTUS Bossier Emergency Hospital, 2531 Viking Drive, Bossier City, La., 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
- March 19, 2026 — CHRISTUS Highland Medical Center, 1453 E. Bert Kouns Industrial Loop, Shreveport, La., 10 a.m.–4 p.m.