World Blood Donor Day on June 14th and 15th
Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center experiences a 14% increase in red blood cell usage locally
(Houston, Texas) Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center- As we approach World Blood Donor Day on June 14 and 15th, we want to recognize and celebrate the generosity of blood donors who save lives in our community. In addition, World Blood Donor Day raises awareness about the need for blood donations daily.
As Houston adjusts to a new phase of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, prioritizing the availability of the blood supply is paramount. A safe and robust blood supply is a core component of our local health care system. When our neighbors need surgery, give birth, or receive treatment for cancer or a chronic condition such as sickle cell disease, blood must be available. Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center needs about 1,000 blood donations a day to serve hospitals in the community. And in recent months, local hospital red blood cell usage has risen by 14% due to increased surgeries and mass transfusion incidents.
Over the past year, the traditional model for collecting blood at businesses, schools, colleges, religious organizations, and civic events has been indefinitely disrupted. With more people working remotely and no longer reporting to an office building, these important community events where life-saving blood is collected have been significantly reduced.
Every year, summertime is challenging to ensure a robust blood supply as schools are not in session and people go on vacation or otherwise modify their regular routines. The impact of summer is a particular concern as travel resumes while schools and businesses have not all returned to normal operations.
Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center needs two things as we approach World Blood Donor Day: Blood Drive Hosts and Blood Donors.
More blood donors are needed in our community. Those who are feeling healthy and well should check giveblood.org for an available appointment. The donation process is quick, easy and can be done at any Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center location. People who have had a COVID-19 vaccine may still donate blood. Additionally, all blood donations are tested for the COVID-19 antibody. Fully vaccinated donors are no longer required to wear face masks when donating.
Churches, businesses, and community groups can contact the blood center to host a blood drive this summer in their community. Hosting a blood drive is free, and you can impact the lives of many. Those who are interested can go here to get started.
World Blood Donor Day was established in 2005 by the WHO and is celebrated worldwide on June 14th, on the birthday of Karl Landsteiner, who discovered the blood groups and co-discoverer of the Rh factor.
In 2021, the WHO assigned Italy to organize the "World Blood Donor Day Global Event" to be held in Rome on 14 and 15 June 2021.
Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center is the sole provider of blood and blood components 24/7 to more than 170 hospitals and health care facilities in a 26-county Texas Gulf Coast region. Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center is a nonprofit organization and is accredited by the Food and Drug Administration. For more information or to help save lives, visit giveblood.org.