Kick off Blood Donor Week – and show up for Scotland!

The boys are in Boston, the Tartan Army's congregating, and the countdown has well and truly begun. And today, we have even more to celebrate - the first day of Blood Donor Week, leading up to World Blood Donor Day on 14 June.

At the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, we are right behind the team and as excited as everyone else to see Scotland take on Haiti on 14th June, Morocco on 19th June, and then the big one - Brazil on 24th June.

But though the games are kicking off, the need for blood never takes a break.

We know that right now, giving blood may well have slipped from your mind - especially with the Bank Holiday on 15th June. Our donor centres (in Aberdeen, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Inverness) are still open on the bank holiday, our sessions are still running, and patients across Scotland still need life‑saving transfusions every single day.

It is hugely important that we fill donation appointments on match days - and the days after too.

This Blood Donor Week we be sharing stories from donors and patients alike - many with a football twist. Keep an eye on our website and social channels as we celebrate, share and - of course - keep score with bloodstocks.

Scotland needs more donors

Right now, there are 90,923 active donors in Scotland - less than 2% of the eligible population.

We need more people to step forward, particularly younger donors:

• Just 24% of donors are aged 17-34 (21,461 people)
• There are more donors aged 65 and over (11,557) than those aged 17-24 (7,467)
• Fewer than 9,000 men aged 17-34 give blood – less than 10% of the donor base

This is your chance to support Scotland – and make a difference.

Supporting Scotland throughout the World Cup - and beyond

Blood has a short shelf life, and demand doesn't take a break – no matter who's playing. Scotland needs around 450 donors every single day to meet hospital needs.

Regular donors are especially vital, as their blood groups are already known. This allows us to respond quickly if certain types run low - something that can make all the difference in urgent situations.

From premature babies to people undergoing cancer treatment and those needing emergency care, patients are relying on us - and on you.

Out and about across Scotland

You may have spotted us recently at the Meadows Festival in Edinburgh, Inverness Pride, or the Dundee Northwest Community Sports Event. If you came by to say hello, thank you - we loved meeting you!

Be part of Scotland’s winning team

If you are aged 17 or over and fit and well, there's a good chance you'll be able to give blood.

• Book an appointment online today to support Scotland’s patients this summer
• Email nss.snbtsenquiry@nhs.scot for more information
• Call 0345 90 90 999 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm)