World Blood Donor Day 2025

Wednesday 11th June 2025

“Blood donations mean the world” IBTS celebrates World Blood Donor Day

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service is today (Wednesday) commencing it’s ‘Blood Donations Mean the World’ campaign to celebrate World Blood Donor Day 2025 (WBDD). 

WBDD is celebrated on the 14th of June every year.  This Saturday 14^th June, the Irish Blood Transfusion Service will join the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other Blood Services around the globe to celebrate and thank voluntary blood donors for their life-saving blood donations and to raise awareness of the constant need for blood donors. 

“In Ireland over 70,000 amazing blood donors gave blood in the past 12 months. It is only due to their generosity that we can meet and sustain the blood supply to our hospitals,” said IBTS Director of Donor Services and Logistics, Paul McKinney.

“To further mark this year’s event, over 30 iconic buildings and landmark sites across Ireland will ‘Go Red’ on Saturday June 14^th as a show of appreciation and support for our wonderful blood donors. 

“We want to thank all blood donors as they play a vital role in supporting the health and well-being of patients in our hospitals. Their generosity ensures that a constant supply of blood and platelets is readily available for the treatment of a wide range of emergency situations, diseases and conditions.  Today is also a chance to inspire the wider population, especially young adults, to become first-time donors.”

Notes to editor – Some facts about blood donation

• 17% of IBTS blood donors are in the 18-25 age group
• The IBTS needs to collect 3,000 donations a week to maintain the national blood supply
• Just 8% of blood donors are O negative – this is the universal donor blood group

List of buildings going red