All blood is worth bottling

World Blood Donor Day on Saturday (June 14) is a global tribute to the millions of voluntary, unpaid donors who provide life-saving blood to those in need.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) says it is a day to say “thank you, but also to spotlight the ongoing, urgent need for safe, regular blood donations.”

Millions of patients around the world rely on blood transfusions every year. The WHO website states the annual campaign is aimed at:

• raising public awareness about the critical need for blood and plasma donations and the impact they have on patients’ lives;
• encouraging both new and existing donors to give blood regularly, helping to ensure a stable and sufficient blood supply;
• highlighting the positive impact of blood donors on the health and well-being of others and promote the values of solidarity, compassion, and community through blood donation; and
• mobilising support from governments and development partners to invest in and sustain national blood programs to achieve universal access to safe blood transfusion worldwide.

Australia’s best-known donor was James Harrison who passed away aged 88 in February. Called ‘The Man with the Golden Arm,’ he donated plasma more than 1100 times over sixty years. James was a pioneer of the Australian Red Cross’s Lifeblood Anti-D program. More than three million doses of Anti-D containing his blood have been given to mothers with a negative blood type since 1967.

His selfless act saved about 2.4 million babies.

More details at: World Blood Donor Day 2025

If you are interested in donating blood go to: https://www.lifeblood.com.au/

Feature image: The World Health Organisation website promoting World Blood Donor Day.

Second image: James Harrison giving blood. Image courtesy Lifeblood.

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