World Blood Donor Day highlights need for new donors

DELMARVA – The Blood Bank of Delmarva is celebrating the 20th anniversary of World Blood Donor Day Friday.

“World Blood Donor Day was created by the World Health Organization to recognize those people who are willing to donate blood, give of their time, give of themselves literally,” says Tony Prado of the Blood Band of Delmarva.

it’s held every year on June 14th and officials are giving thanks to donors across the world. They are hoping to promote a culture of regular blood donation among young people and the general public, also increasing the diversity and sustainability of the blood donor pool worldwide.

Prado says, “America’s Blood Centers Recruitment Division has determined that 62 percent of the U.S. population is eligible to donate blood. Here’s the problem: only three percent of those folks roll up their sleeves and donate blood.”

Blood bank officials say during the Summer months donations are always slower, plus they tend to see a spike in trauma cases which can put a strain on the blood supply. If you are interested in giving blood, click here to get more information or make an appointment.