Today is June 14th and that means it is World Blood Donor Day. A day meant to shine the spotlight on the important role blood donors hold in our community and around the world.

This year’s theme is Blood Connects Us All. A poignant message that holds true significance in the wake of the tragic mass shootings in Orlando, Florida.  

We witnessed an unprecedented number of blood donors show their support by giving the gift of life in the hours and days following the tragedy. Your immediate action to donate helped replenish the blood supply and ensure blood is available for patients in need. Thank you. Those of you who gave in the days prior to the shooting ensured blood was available for the victims on that unimaginable night. Thank you, it is regular, dedicated donors like you who keep the blood supply available.

If you are eligible to donate blood we encourage you to please visit one of our donor centers or Big Red Bus® and share your power to save lives. It only takes a little of your time and you will literally be giving someone else a second chance at life. Blood that is donated today will likely be transfused within two to three days. The turnaround is that fast, the need is constant.