What is World Blood Donor Day?
Every year on 14th June, countries across the world celebrate World Blood Donor Day.
Organised by the World Health Organisation, World Blood Donor Day celebrates the contribution that blood donors across the globe make in saving lives and improving health, every single day.
June 14th was chosen as World Blood Donor Day as it is the anniversary of Karl Landsteiner's birth. Often referred to as the forefather of blood transfusion, Landsteiner identified the ABO blood group system. In 1907 his findings were used to carry out the first successful blood transfusion, and in 1930 Landsteiner was awarded the Nobel Prize.
The theme of this year's World Blood Donor Day is 'Give blood, give plasma, share life, share often.' It focuses on patients requiring life-long transfusion support and underlines the role every single person can play, by giving the valuable gift of blood or plasma. It also highlights the importance of giving blood or plasma regularly to create a safe and sustainable supply of blood and blood products that can be always available, all over the world, so that all patients in need can receive timely treatment.
Happy World Blood Donor Day from everyone at the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service.
- Help us celebrate by asking someone you know to sign up as a blood donor
- Book your appointment to give blood by calling 0345 90 90 999 or by visiting scotblood.co.uk
- Find out more about plasma donation