Celebrating 20 years of giving blood and saving lives: World Blood Donor Day 2024

Every year on World Blood Donor Day, countries worldwide celebrate and recognize the vital contributions of blood donors. Celebrating this day raises awareness about the need for safe blood transfusions and thanks volunteers for their selfless act of saving lives.

Blood is essential for various medical procedures, including surgeries, cancer treatments, and emergencies. This ensures patients have access to safe blood and blood products in sufficient quantity and maintains an effective health system.

It is estimated that someone in the U.S. needs blood every two seconds, highlighting the constant demand for donations. Regular blood donations ensure a stable blood supply for hospitals and medical facilities. Additionally, donating blood has health benefits for the donor, such as reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer. It also monitors their health as they receive a mini check-up every time they donate.

Facts about blood donation

Here are some facts to know about blood donation:

Types of blood donation

There are various types of blood donations, each of which meets specific medical needs. Here, we explain each type and how it’s used.

• Whole blood donation: This is the most common type of donation where a pint of blood is collected. It helps patients who have anemia or have sustained an emergency injury.

• Platelet donation: Platelets are key for blood clotting and are often needed by cancer patients and those undergoing surgery.

• Plasma donation: Plasma, the liquid part of blood, is used to treat burn victims, shock patients, and those with blood-clotting disorders.

• Red cell: Only red cells are collected in this type of donation, which are used to treat trauma, surgery, anemia, blood loss, and other disorders.

Types of blood

Understanding blood types and their compatibility is crucial for blood transfusions to ensure that patients receive the correct blood type for their medical condition and safety. Here's what you need to know about the blood types for donation:

• Blood types: The four main blood types are A, B, AB, and O, which can be either positive (+) or negative (-).

• Universal donor: Type O negative (O-) can donate blood to any blood type.

• Universal recipient: Type AB positive (AB+) can receive blood from any blood type.

• Rh factor: Negative blood types (-) can donate to positive (+) and negative (-) recipients, but positive (+) blood types can only donate to positive (+) recipients.

Here’s a breakdown of the different blood types and their compatibility:

Tips for donating blood

Here are some blood donation tips if you're donating for the first time:

 Get adequate sleep the night before your donation.

 Eat an iron-rich and nutritious meal within four or five hours of donating.

 Stay hydrated and drink an extra two cups of water before donating. 

 Wear comfortable and short-sleeved clothes when donating.

 Relax and recharge yourself after donating blood.

Reasons to donate blood

FAQs about blood donation

Here are some frequently asked questions about blood donation:

What is World Blood Donor Day?

World Blood Donor Day is a global event celebrated on June 14 every year to raise awareness about the importance of donating blood and to thank blood donors for their life-saving contributions. It also aims to encourage more people to become regular blood donors and help save lives.

What is the history and significance of World Blood Donor Day?

World Blood Donor Day was established by the World Health Organization in 2004 to highlight the importance of safe blood transfusions and to appreciate voluntary, unpaid blood donors for their life-saving contributions. This day also focuses on several key areas like doctor recruitment, donor safety, blood system sustainability, and equity and access.

What is the theme of World Blood Donor Day 2024?

The theme of World Blood Donor Day 2024 is "20 years of celebrating giving: thank you blood donors!" This theme highlights the importance of regular blood donation in saving lives and encourages individuals to become regular blood donors. It also aims to showcase the achievements and challenges of national blood programs and promote a culture of regular blood donation among the general public.

Who can donate blood?

According to WHO, anyone who is in good health, weighs at least 50 kgs, and is between 18 to 65 years old can donate blood. However, in a few countries, national legislation permits 16- to 17-year-olds to donate if they fulfill the physical and hematological criteria and when appropriate consent is obtained. 

Who can't donate blood?

WHO guidelines stipulate that any individual with medical conditions, low hemoglobin levels, recent surgeries or tattoos, recent travel to high-risk areas, or has received a blood transfusion within the past 12 months cannot donate blood. Other conditions that disqualify an individual from donating blood include being pregnant, taking certain medications, engaging in risky sexual activity, or having a recent cold, flu, sore throat, or any other infection.

How often can I donate blood?

Individuals who provide whole blood can give it every 56 days, which permits the body to restore the blood cells that were given. Double red blood cell donors can give every 112 days, and platelet donors can give as frequently as once a week or up to 24 times annually.

Will blood donation be painful?

Most donors feel a mild pinch for a second. The needle used to collect the blood may cause a brief pinch or sting, but the discomfort should subside quickly. It’s common to experience some discomfort during a blood donation, but it shouldn’t be painful. Some people may also feel lightheaded or dizzy during or after the donation, but they can recover quickly by drinking fluids, resting, and following the post-donation advice. If you experience severe pain during the donation, you should inform the staff immediately.

How much blood is taken during whole blood donation?

The amount of blood taken during donation varies depending on the type of donation. Approximately 450 to 500 milliliters of blood is collected during a whole blood donation, which is a small portion considering the average adult has about 10 pints of blood.

Can I return to work immediately after blood donation?

Resting for at least 15 minutes after donating blood can prevent dizziness or lightheadedness. You can recover immediately and resume your normal activities, including work, by following the advice of the doctor or blood donation centers. However, if you have a physically demanding job, you may want to take the rest of the day off to allow your body to recover fully. It’s always best to consult with your doctor or the donation center for specific recommendations.

In conclusion

World Blood Donor Day is the day to commemorate the collective power we hold in making an impact on society and helping those in need. It’s also a reminder to spread awareness of the importance of regular blood donations and to debunk the myths and social stigmas around it.

By raising awareness, addressing global blood shortages, understanding the types of donation and its process, we can empower people to become volunteer donors and ensure a steady supply of safe blood. Together, let’s commit to advocating for the safe practices of blood donation and striving towards a healthier future.