World Blood Donor Day - Blood Donors Brighten Lives

World Blood Donor Day - Blood Donors Brighten Lives

World Blood Donor Day will take place on Tuesday 14th June. The Irish Blood Transfusion Service launched World Blood Donor Day with a large scale group formation photo at night in the grounds of St Patricks Cathedral.

Over 150 people formed a blood drop after responding to a call for volunteers on Facebook, and were joined by Defence Forces personnel and IBTS staff.

On World Blood Donor Day, the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, will meet 100 time blood and 100 time platelet donors at an awards ceremony in Dublin.  This event provides an opportunity to honour and acknowledge the tremendous commitment shown by donors.

International focus is on the importance of voluntary blood donation and encouraging more people to give blood regularly. “The summer always presents a challenge as schools are closed and people are on holidays and this puts pressure on the available blood supply. Meeting this demand can only be achieved by the continued commitment of donors.

“This is vital if patients in hospitals are to receive the blood they require. Giving blood is a truly altruistic act and blood donors feel good for having done it. The photo event gives donors and volunteers an opportunity to get involved in a different way but with the same aim of making sure that blood is available over the summer months,” said Andy Kelly Chief Executive IBTS.

The IBTS Facebook community will be able to avail of a Facebook app for blood group characters, while all Facebook supporters who celebrate their 18th birthday in Dublin between 6th and 18th June will get a special birthday message asking them to give blood.

To find out how you can get involved please visit www.giveblood.ie or locall 1850 731 137.

  • The IBTS needs approximately 3,000 units of blood per week
  • 1 in 4 of us will need a blood transfusion in our lives
  • Worldwide approximately 90 million units of blood are donated every year
  • You can give blood every 3 months