World Blood Donor Day is an international awareness day observed annually on June 14 to highlight the importance of safe blood supply and to honor voluntary blood donors. The day emphasizes that blood donation is a life-saving act and recognizes the contributions of voluntary, unpaid, and regular blood donors, who help save millions of lives each year.
Blood Donation (Anadolu Ajansı)
History
World Blood Donor Day (WBDD), celebrated every year on June 14, was established to draw attention to the importance of safe blood supply and to honor voluntary blood donors. This date was chosen to commemorate the birthday of Nobel laureate Karl Landsteiner, who discovered the ABO blood group system. Landsteiner’s discovery in 1900 enabled safe blood transfusions and marked a significant milestone in modern medicine.
The World Health Organization (WHO) initiated World Blood Donor Day in 2004, with the first official celebration held in the same year. WHO declared this day to raise global awareness about blood donation, support the development of voluntary donation systems, and acknowledge the contributions of blood donors.
Purpose and Scope
The primary objective of World Blood Donor Day is to promote safe, voluntary, and unpaid blood donation. The day emphasizes that blood donation is a life-saving act and reminds the public that millions of people receive treatment each year thanks to the contributions of regular and voluntary donors. Activities focus on raising awareness about the importance of safe and sufficient access to blood and blood products, encouraging voluntary donations to increase the number of regular donors, honoring blood donors, providing exemplary societal models, and fostering lasting awareness and behavioral change. Each year, a different theme is selected globally, guiding countries in planning their national activities. Themes generally highlight the selflessness of donors and aim to strengthen voluntary blood donation awareness in society.
World Health Organization and Global Participation
WHO underscores that a safe blood supply is an integral part of an effective health system. Safe blood and blood products are vital across various medical fields, from surgical procedures and trauma management to complications during childbirth and chronic disease treatment.
Accordingly, WHO recommends that each country strengthen its national blood services, institutionalize voluntary donation systems, and develop policies preventing the commercial procurement of blood. World Blood Donor Day serves as a global platform that reinforces solidarity and awareness in line with these objectives.
World Blood Donor Day in Turkey
In Turkey, World Blood Donor Day is celebrated through collaboration between the Ministry of Health and the Turkish Red Crescent. The Turkish Red Crescent, as the authorized institution managing national blood services and ensuring a safe blood supply, conducts various activities to promote voluntary blood donation.
The Turkish Red Crescent aims to maintain a respected position in blood services not only nationally but also internationally. By continuing infrastructure development, education, research, and development activities, the institution strengthens the voluntary donation system. Donors are awarded medals based on the number of donations, and their role as examples in promoting societal awareness is supported.
Activities and Awareness Efforts in Turkey
Annually, on June 14, various activities are organized nationwide to raise public awareness about blood donation, emphasize the principle of volunteerism, and promote regular donation.
For example, during the 2022 celebrations, joint efforts were conducted by the Ministry of Health and the Turkish Red Crescent. Blood collection units were set up at the Ministry’s central building, and employees were invited to donate. Informational booths were established, posters were displayed on all floors, and awareness materials were prepared. Digital content was broadcast on TV screens and displays in the Ministry’s central building for a week. Announcements were aired on radio stations, and informative messages were integrated into television programs. A question related to World Blood Donor Day was included in a national TV quiz show, reaching a broad audience.
