How to Help on World Blood Donor Day!

Today is World Blood Donor Day. In 2004, the commemorative day was organized by four core international organizations: the World Health Organization; the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies; the International Federation of Blood Donor Organizations; and the International Society of Blood Transfusion.

The specific date was chosen because Karl Landsteiner was born in Austria on June 14th, 1868. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine in 1930, due to his discovery in 1901 of, and outstanding work on, the blood groups. In 1909, he classified the blood types of human beings into the now well-known A, B, AB, and O groups. Before his discovery, blood transfusions happened without knowing the different blood groups.

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According to the American Red Cross, "Every year, 194 countries around the world, including the United States, celebrate World Blood Donor Day. The event, which happens on June 14th, serves to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products and to thank voluntary, non-paid donors for their life-saving gifts of blood."

Did you know that the need for blood is constant? Every 2 seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Every 15 seconds someone needs platelets. One in 7 hospital patients will need a blood transfusion for surgery, trauma, cancer treatments, or Sickle Cell Anemia.

The American Red Cross explained, "Many people donate because they know someone who needed blood at some time in their lives, others donate because they themselves needed blood. Some just want to help people they've never met. Giving blood is easy, it takes about an hour, with the actual blood donation taking about 10 to 15 minutes. It ends with free snacks and drinks plus the knowledge that you helped save a life."

However, there are also other ways to give including volunteering at a community blood drive or by making a financial contribution. During 2025, more than 325,000 volunteers dedicated over 10.3 million hours in service of the Red Cross mission, which amplified the ability to deliver vital support and relief to communities. As a reminder, the organization's mission is to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.​

According to the World Health Organization, "Safe blood saves lives. A single donation can help save up to three lives. Every blood donation is a gift of hope. It can mean the difference between life and death for patients in need of transfusions. Blood donation is a collective effort and a powerful act of solidarity. By coming together as a community of donors, we ensure a steady and safe blood supply for all who need it."

So, what will you do today to recognize World Blood Donor Day?

Image Credit: NHS Blood and Transport

Are you eligible to donate blood? Visit this link:

https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/how-to-donate/eligibility-requirements.html

Read more about Karl Landsteiner at the Nobel Prize website:

https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/medicine/1930/landsteiner/biographical/