Every year on June 14th, World Blood Donor Day shines a spotlight on the incredible individuals who selflessly donate their blood, saving countless lives in the process, and raises awareness of the vital role blood donations play for those relying on transfusions. These blood donations are only made possible due to the invaluable contributions of these unsung heroes, including those like Dave who make regularly donating blood, platelets and plasma a priority.
Dave chooses to donate platelets and recently gave his 720th donation with Vitalant, the equivalent of about 90 gallons. He began donating blood in 1985 and gave for the first time when an employee’s mother needed a lifesaving transfusion. Dave began donating platelets in 1991. Platelets are a special component of blood that help control bleeding and are used to help cancer patients during treatment. 
“I donate because it is just something I feel most people ought to do,” said Dave. “It’s one of the few charities that doesn’t cost you, but it does so much for the lives of those in our community who so desperately require blood.”
We deeply appreciate the commitment of amazingly dedicated donors like Dave, but there is also an urgent reality that more people must come forward to give blood to ensure a sufficient blood supply all year long. While most of the U.S. population is eligible to give blood, only about 3% choose to give.
Whether you’re a committed donor or are considering donating for the first time, here are ways you can honor World Blood Donor Day while supporting patients who rely upon blood transfusions:
- Donate Blood: if you’re eligible, schedule an appointment to give blood. You can learn about current eligibility requirements at vitalant.org/eligibility and schedule your appointment online or by giving us a call at 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825). Your contributions can save lives and bring hope to those in need.
- Raise Awareness: Share information about World Blood Donor Day on social media and within your community. Educate others about the importance of blood donation, dispel myths, and encourage them to take action. You can even use Vitalant’s Refer-a-Friend program to help track your impact!
- Host Blood Drives: As a blood drive coordinator, you can encourage blood donors in your area to join you and work toward a common goal. Collaborate with local organizations, schools or businesses to host blood drives. These events can help mobilize the community and make blood donation more accessible by providing more opportunities in your area to save lives.
- Volunteer and Support: Consider volunteering your time by providing the extra assistance needed to run blood drives, help transport blood products to and from blood drives, hospitals and medical centers, or help with administrative support. You can also help raise funds for Vitalant Foundation which can help support patients directly, and also support blood science and other healthcare research which can benefit blood recipients and donors.
Regular blood donations form the backbone of a safe and ample blood supply, serving as a lifeline for countless individuals in need. On World Blood Donor Day, join us in celebrating these life-saving heroes and make a commitment to support a safe and ample blood supply for those in need. Together, we can make a profound impact and transform lives.