Happy World Blood Donor Day!
Every year on 14th June, countries across the world celebrate World Blood Donor Day.
Organised by the World Health Organisation, World Blood Donor Day celebrates the contribution that blood donors across the globe make in saving lives and improving health, every single day.
14 June was chosen as it marks the anniversary of Karl Landsteiner’s birth. An Austrian scientist, Landsteiner made one of the most important medical discoveries of the 20th century when he identified the ABO blood group system in 1901. Before his work, blood transfusions were unpredictable and often dangerous, as doctors did not understand why some transfusions succeeded while others proved fatal.
One Drop of Humanity. Give Blood. Save Lives. World Health Organisation
Landsteiner discovered that human blood is not all the same, but can be divided into different groups based on specific markers, or antigens, found on the surface of red blood cells. These groups became known as A, B, AB and O. His work made it possible to match donors and patients safely, transforming blood transfusion into a reliable, lifesaving treatment that is now used every day in hospitals around the world.
Today, his discoveries continue to underpin modern transfusion medicine, ensuring that patients receive the right blood at the right time, whether during surgery, childbirth, treatment for cancer, or emergency care.
This year, World Blood Donor Day is guided by the World Health Organisation’s theme, 'One Drop of Humanity. Give Blood. Save Lives.' The campaign highlights the shared human connection behind every blood donation, reminding us that even a single act can make a lifesaving difference. It calls on individuals and communities to come together in solidarity, celebrate voluntary blood donors, and strengthen a culture of giving that ensures safe blood is available for all who need it.
Happy World Blood Donor Day from everyone at the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service.
- Help us celebrate by asking someone you know to sign up as a blood donor
- Book your appointment to give blood by calling 0345 90 90 999 or by visiting scotblood.co.uk