June 14th is World Blood Donor Day

● World Blood Donor Day is a commemorative day to thank blood donors and raise awareness about the need for blood donation.

June 14th is a global commemorative day observed by countries around the world to honor those who donate blood—a gift that saves lives—and to raise awareness that blood donation is indispensable for patients requiring transfusions. World Blood Donor Day is one of the global health days designated by the World Health Organization (WHO), and various events are held in countries worldwide.

The theme of this year's World Blood Donor Day is, “One Drop of Humanity. Give Blood. Save Lives.”

*June 14th holds special significance as the birthday of Karl Landsteiner, who discovered the ABO blood group system. The discovery of the ABO system in 1900 enabled the prevention of side effects and accidents caused by using incompatible blood during transfusions. Karl Landsteiner was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1930 for his discovery of the ABO blood group system.

● Understanding and cooperation from the younger generation are especially needed.

Most of the blood products for transfusion and plasma derivatives supported by blood donation are used for the medical care of the elderly, with approximately 88% of transfusion blood products being used by people aged 50 and over.

On the other hand, approximately 53% of those currently cooperating in blood donation are under the age of 50. This generation is not only supporting current transfusion medicine but is also crucial for taking on the future of transfusion medicine.

Currently, the number of blood donors in the younger age group (10s to 30s) is on a downward trend. As Japan's aging population and declining birth rate continue to progress, there is a risk that this will hinder stable supply in the future.

Because blood cannot be stored long-term, it is necessary to secure sufficient blood for transfusion to supply medical institutions stably. Understanding and cooperation, especially from the younger generation, are essential for future stable supply.

Campaigns are being held at each blood donation site by the Red Cross Blood Centers in the Kanto-Koshinetsu region.

Please check the website of each Red Cross Blood Center for details.