June 14 is National World Blood Donor Day. This event, which is celebrated by countries around the world, serves to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products, and to thank blood donors for their voluntary, life-saving gifts of blood. Some blood types are rare, so promoting the need for rare donor types is also part of this event.
This year it is hosted by Greece, with the theme ‘Blood Connects us All’. Visit the World Health Organization’s campaign page for more info!
Blood donation saves millions of lives annually and helps with the recovery and health of patients who have illnesses or injuries, complex operations or childbirth problems.
See these tips from the American Red Cross on what to do before, during, and after your donation:
Before
- Make an appointment.
- Eat iron-rich foods.
- Be well rested and hydrate.
On the Day
- Bring photo ID.
- Have a list of medications you take with you.
- Drink an extra 16 oz. of water before your appointment.
- Eat a healthy meal, avoiding fatty foods.
- Wear a shirt with sleeves that you can roll up.
After
- Enjoy a snack.
- Tell others about your good deed.
- Drink extra liquids.
- Keep the strip bandage on for the next several hours.
- Do not do any heavy lifting or vigorous exercise for the rest of the day.
Be there for someone else. Give blood. Share life. Find a local blood drive here – www.redcross.org/give-blood
