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Be a Much Needed Hero and Donate Blood

If you could volunteer to save a life with no harm done to yourself, wouldn’t you do it? Last year, 90 countries reported that more than nine million people received a blood transfusion. That’s more than 810 million transfusions last year alone. Without blood donations, those lives would have been lost. But through the Red Cross, you have the power to make a difference. June 14 is World Blood Donor Day. The day was established to create awareness for the need of safe blood and blood products, as well as to thank voluntary blood donors for saving lives.

The theme of this year’s World Blood Donor Day is “Every Blood Donor is a Hero.” According to the World Health Organization, this year’s theme was established to thank those who give regularly and inspire others to start donating blood.

Although this year’s global event takes place in Seoul, Republic of Korea, you can still celebrate and get involved with the World Blood Donor Day from wherever you live through donating, hosting a drive or volunteering. Here’s how.

Donate Blood
According to the Red Cross, only three out of every 100 people in America donate blood. Each time you donate blood you save three lives. With life-saving statistics like that, donating seems like a no brainer.

First, find a location site to donate. Remember to drink plenty of fluids, eat a healthy meal and keep iron levels up before donating. When you arrive, bring two forms of identification with you. Then it’s time to relax and let the professionals do the work. If you’re scared of needles, there are trained professionals who will help you get through your experience. Afterward, you will be treated to free juice and cookies for donating. You’ll feel great knowing that you saved three lives by simply showing up and sitting down while a little blood was taken.

Host a Drive
If you don’t see a blood drive near your town, you can always sign up to host one. You would need to find a location, recruit donors, schedule appointments and publicize the event. By assembling a group, this would take minimal effort and would help save numerous lives. Talk to a group of friends to see if they’d be willing to help you set up a drive, then start recruiting.

Be a Volunteer
Whether or not you give blood, you can always volunteer to lend a hand at a blood drive. The Red Cross seeks individuals to help with a variety of activities, and you can take part in the action by volunteering as much or as little as you’d like. For more information on how to get involved, visit www.redcrossblood.org.