History, Significance & Theme

This day is celebrated to raise awareness about the importance of safe blood and blood products for transfusion. World Blood Donor Day 2022 will be celebrated on June 14 to honor the contribution of voluntary and unpaid blood donors.NGOs assisting blood donation campaigns, and national blood transfusion services.

Every year on June 14, World Blood Donor Day is commemorated to raise awareness about the necessity of giving blood and to thank donors for their contributions. World Blood Donor Day provides an opportunity to encourage governments and health authorities to provide adequate resources to increase the collection of blood from voluntary, unpaid blood donors. Every day millions of lives are saved by transfusion performed with safe blood and blood products. The noble deed of blood donation can save many lives. Hence, it is a crucial practice that organizations spread awareness about worldwide and we are always motivated to move forward and become donors.

History of World Blood Donor Day

World Blood Donor Day was established in 2004 by the World Health Organization (WHO) to bring awareness to the ongoing need for blood donations to save lives. June 14 also marks the birth anniversary of Karl Landsteiner who won the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 1930 for his work in classifying blood types. It was his work that revolutionized blood transfusions and led to the practice of transfusing blood between people with compatible blood types.

Significance of World Blood Donor Day

This day is celebrated to raise awareness about the importance of safe blood and blood products for transfusion. Furthermore, it focuses on the unpaid blood donor contribution and supports blood donor groups, NGOs assisting blood donation campaigns, and national blood transfusion services.

“Blood and blood products are important for effective management of women suffering from bleeding associated with pregnancy and childbirth; children suffering from severe anemia due to malaria and malnutrition; patients with blood and bone marrow disorders,  disasters, and accidents; as well as patients undergoing advanced medical and surgical procedures. The need for blood is universal, but access to blood for all those who need it is not. Blood shortages are particularly acute in low- and middle-income countries,” according to World Health Organization.

Blood Donor Day: Theme

The Theme of Blood Donor Day 2022 is ‘Join the effort and save lives is the theme or slogan for World Blood Donor Day in 2022. WHO’s theme intends to explain the importance of voluntary blood donations in saving a life and strengthening community togetherness.

Benefits of Blood Donation

There’s no end to the benefits of donating blood for those who need it. According to the American Red Cross, one donation can save as many as three lives. Donating blood has benefits for your emotional and physical health.   

• reduce stress
• improve your emotional well-being
• benefit your physical health
• help get rid of negative feelings
• provide a sense of belonging and reduce isolation

What to know before you donate

Here are some important things to know before you donate:

• You need to be 17 or older to donate whole blood. Some states allow you to donate at 16 with parental consent.
• You have to weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health to donate.
• You need to provide information about medical conditions and any medications you’re taking. These may affect your eligibility to donate blood.
• You must wait at least 8 weeks between whole blood donations and 16 weeks between double red cell donations.
• Platelet donations can be made every 7 days, up to 24 times per year.

The following are some suggestions to help you prepare for donating blood:

• Drink an extra 16 ounces of water before your appointment.
• Eat a healthy meal that’s low in fat.
• Wear a short-sleeved shirt or a shirt with sleeves that are easy to roll up.
• Let the staff know if you have a preferred arm or vein and if you prefer to sit up or lie down.
•  Listening to music, reading, or talking to someone else can help you relax during the donation process.

 Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does donate blood reduce weight?

    No, blood donation won’t become a weight loss

2. Does blood donation purify the blood?

    After donating blood, the body works to replenish the blood loss. This stimulates the production of new blood cells and in turn, helps in maintaining good health.

3. What is the rarest blood type?

    AB negative