World Blood Donor Day - IBTS needs 500 donations every day in Ireland

The IBTS today (Tuesday World Blood Donor Day) thanked donors who through their commitment and selflessness made it possible for so many people to go on to live healthy fulfilling lives. The IBTS will be distributing special pens, key rings, car stickers and thank you cards to donors attending our clinics this week to mark World Blood Donor Day.

Globally, over 81 million units of blood are collected annually but only 27 million of these are collected in low and medium income countries where 82% of the world's population live.

Since last Thursday the IBTS has collected about 2,600 donations, thanks to the tremendous response to our appeal from the public.  However, blood lasts just 35 days and we need to collect 3,000 units a week every week to supply patient needs.  Therefore we are urging people to donate blood in the coming weeks. 

"World Blood Donor Day is about celebrating and honouring those people who donate their blood on a voluntary, unpaid basis to give the most precious gift of all, the gift of life" said Donor Services Manager Kieran Healy.

ENDS