New York State Department of Health Recognizes World Blood Donor Day

Department Encourages New Yorkers to Help Save Lives by Donating Blood and Plasma

ALBANY, N.Y. (June 13, 2025) – The New York State Department of Health recognizes World Blood Donor Day, observed June 14, by celebrating and thanking those who donate blood and plasma, while encouraging healthy New Yorkers to donate regularly to ensure access to safe blood transfusions. This year's global theme is "Give blood, give hope: together we save lives."

"I encourage everyone to donate blood because doing so is giving the gift of life," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "Becoming a donor is a selfless act that helps patients fighting cancer, undergoing surgery or suffering from traumatic injuries."

Regular blood and plasma donations are essential to maintaining a safe and sustainable supply. Donations support patients with conditions such as sickle-cell anemia, thalassemia, hemophilia and immune deficiencies.

Just one donation can save more than one life. According to the American Red Cross, someone in the U.S. needs blood or platelets every two seconds. The blood type most often requested by hospitals is type O. Since donated blood must be used within 42 days or less, the need for donations is constant, and often, supply does not keep up with demand.

The Department acknowledges the Food and Drug Association (FDA) for issuing blood donor eligibility recommendations that reduce stigma and discrimination for LGBTQ+ Donors when attempting to donate blood and help others in need.

The Department also continues to encourage New Yorkers to donate blood to give others a chance to live long and healthy lives.

New York Codes, Rules, and Regulations for blood donor qualifications can be found here.

American Red Cross Blood Services can be found here.

New York Blood Center can be found here.

Connect Life Blood & Organ Donor Network can be found here.