world blood donor day – june 14, 2017
Every June 14th, countries around the world celebrate World Blood Donor Day to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products and to thank blood donors for their life-saving gifts of blood. About 112.5 million blood donations are collected worldwide every year.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is encouraging everyone to give blood now and not wait until a disaster strikes. No one knows when disaster will strike; but every disaster has victims and many of those victims need blood.
According to WHO, “The lives and health of millions of people are affected by emergencies every year. In the last decade, disasters have caused more than 1 million deaths, with more than 250 million people being affected by emergencies every year. Natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods and storms create considerable needs for emergency health care, while at the same time, often destroying vital health facilities as well. Man-made disasters such as road accidents and armed conflicts also generate substantial health care demands and the need for front-line treatment. Blood transfusion is an essential component of emergency health care.”
The American Red Cross is encouraging all eligible donors to make and keep donation appointments during the summer months to maintain a blood supply and prevent a shortage. Blood and platelet donations often decline during the summer when schools are out of session and regular donors are on vacation. Donors of all blood types are currently needed, especially those with types O negative, B negative and A negative blood.
Blood can be safely donated every 56 days. Platelets can be given every seven days – up to 24 times a year. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in most states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
For more information or to schedule an appointment to donate blood, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org.
