Today marks World Blood Donor Day, celebrated annually on 14 June, under the aegis of the World Health Organisation.
The need for blood supply for both treatment and urgent interventions is a reality. The donation, collection, testing, processing, preservation, storage and distribution of human blood safely and in sufficient quantity is a fundamental component of an effective health system. Blood is vital in all kinds of emergencies: natural disasters, accidents, armed conflicts, among others, which is why donations by volunteers are so important.
The Order of Physiotherapists considers that the more than ten thousand members of the Order of Physiotherapists are also key to achieving the goal of creating World Blood Donor Day - this year with the theme "Give blood, give plasma, share life, share often" - which is to raise awareness of the importance and need for blood, to emphasise the role of voluntary and unpaid blood donors and to support national blood transfusion services, blood donor organisations and other non-governmental organisations in strengthening and expanding their voluntary blood donor programmes.
Find out how you can donate blood or enlighten potential donors, here.