The American Red Cross encourages all eligible donors to choose their day to help save lives by giving blood in honor of World Blood Donor Day.
Every year, on June 14, countries around the world celebrate World Blood Donor Day. The occasion raises awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products, and thanks voluntary blood donors for their lifesaving gifts of blood.
“World Blood Donor Day comes at a very important time each year,” said Sharyn Whitman, CEO, Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region. “Summer can be a challenging time for blood donations, with fewer donors available to donate blood due to busy summer schedules. World Blood Donor Day gives us an opportunity to highlight the need for blood during the summer months and year-round.”
World Blood Donor Day occurs on day 21 of the Red Cross 100 Days of Summer. 100 Days of Hope. campaign. Whitman added that it’s a perfect time for donors to help save lives and boost the blood supply for patients in need.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities:
Tuesday, June 3 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Ck Tech, located at 1701 Magda Dr. in Montpelier.
Friday, June 6 from noon until 6 p.m. at the Pioneer Area Chamber of Commerce, located at 100 North Elm Street in Pioneer.
Thursday, June 12 from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Bryan, locate at 1216 Buffalo Road in Bryan.
Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some 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.
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.