First held in the year 2005, World Blood Donor Day is observed on June 14th every year. It resulted because of the collective efforts of the World Health Organisation and International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. It aims to raise awareness about blood donation and to express gratitude to every individual stepping forward for it. After all, blood cannot be replaced but, when transferred, can save several lives

Well, did you know that one person donating blood can save the lives of up to three people? Many facts like these can leave you intrigued.

In this blog, let’s learn about some of them:

• Every day, over 38,000 blood donations are required.
• O negative is rare blood, but it can be transfused to other types of blood.
• The plasma of AB blood type can be transfused to all other blood types. However, this blood type has a short supply.
• Every healthy donor can donate plasma after a gap of 7 days, but not more than 24 times yearly.
• Red blood cells can be donated every 56 days by a healthy donor. For double red cells, it can be 112 days.
• Donated platelets have to be used before they complete5 days of donation.
• The will to help is the main reason why donors come forward to donate.
• Out of the entire population in India, only 7 per cent have O-negative blood.