June 14 is World Blood Donor Day
June 14, 2013 – Today is World Blood Donor Day, a day to celebrate the generosity of all those who donate blood and to raise awareness of the need for blood donations.
Individuals with thalassemia, many of whom require red blood cell transfusions on a regular basis, are aware of the importance of blood donation. The need for blood, of course, goes far beyond the chronically transfused; according to America’s Blood Centers, 1 in 7 people entering a hospital in the U.S. needs blood. In addition:
- More than 40,000 pints of blood are transfused each day in the U.S.
- More than 15 million pints of blood are transfused each year in the U.S.
- Every 2 seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood.
- One pint of donated blood can save 3 lives.
- A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 pints of blood.
The Cooley’s Anemia Foundation thanks all those who donate blood and urges all who are eligible to donate blood to do so.
If you would like more information on donating blood or if you would like to find a blood donation site near you, here are some links that can help:
To learn more about whether you are eligible to donate blood, click here.
