Rhode Island Blood Center (RIBC) is highlighting the 20th anniversary of World Blood Donor Day on Friday, June 14th. This annual celebration is an opportunity for blood centers across the world to thank donors for their lifesaving donations and honor their profound impact on patients. Blood donations cannot be manufactured, which means our nation’s blood supply and patients’ access to safe blood transfusion depends on the selfless generosity of blood donors.
The World Health Organization (WHO) organizes World Blood Donor Day each year, and countries across the world participate. This year’s theme is “Celebrating 20 years of giving” to thank blood donors and promote a culture of regular blood donation among young people and the general public, increasing the diversity and sustainability of the blood donor pool worldwide.
World Blood Donor Day comes at a critical time, as the summer months are typically challenging for blood collection. Hospitals typically see a spike in trauma cases during the summer months, which can put a strain on the blood supply. Additionally, school breaks, increased travel, and busy summer schedules often make blood donation less of a priority.
“World Blood Donor Day is a special occasion for us to recognize and thank our dedicated donors,” said Caitlin Grimaldi-Flick, Marketing and Communication Manager at Rhode Island Blood Center. “As we enter the summer months, we face a critical need for blood donations and urge everyone in our community to donate and support this lifesaving cause. Your generosity ensures that patients can continue to have access to safe and readily available blood products when they need them.”
This World Blood Donor Day, local donors can sign up for the following blood drives, or visit ribc.org to find a donation location near them.
- Kent Hospital, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm (Sign up HERE)
- 455 Toll Gate Road, Warwick, RI 02886
- Dave’s Marketplace Hoxsie, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm (Sign up HERE)
- 18 Airport Rd., Warwick, RI 02889
- Dave’s Marketplace – Quonset, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm (Sign up HERE)
- 105 Gate Road – Quonset, North Kingstown, RI 02852
- Dave’s Marketplace – Cranston, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm (Sign up HERE)
- 550 Pontiac Avenue, Cranston, RI 02910
- Dunn’s Corner Fire Department, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (Sign up HERE)
- 1 Langworthy Road, Westerly, RI 02891
- Little Compton Fire Department, 2:00 am – 7:00 pm (Sign up HERE)
- 60 Simmons Road, Little Compton, RI 02837
