Celebrating World Blood Donor Day

Dr. Susan Shurin - June 14, 2012

group of people holding signs in the NIH blood bank

From left: NHLBI Deputy Executive Officer Ariel Herman, Office of Communications Director Sally McDonough, Financial Management Officer Sandy Gault, Acting Director Susan Shurin, Financial Management Officer Alex Hawkins, and Executive Officer Kate O'Sullivan encourage fellow staff members to donate blood.

The World Health Organization has designated June 14 as World Blood Donor Day 2012—an opportunity to "be a hero" by giving blood and saving lives. The availability of a safe blood supply is one of the most important aspects of our health care system. Just one donation can be used to support the needs of as many as three patients with different components.

The NHLBI remains keenly aware of the need to maintain an adequate blood supply for patient care and research. Next week, our Institute is sponsoring a blood drive at the NIH. Although the NIH runs its own volunteer blood bank to serve the patients treated on research protocols at the Clinical Center, it relies on the generosity of the NIH community to fulfill the great need of approximately 600 pints of blood each month. Donations help keep the Transfusion Medicine service at the forefront of transfusion medicine research, where it has been for nearly 50 years.

Whether you are located near the NIH campus or elsewhere across the country, I hope you will join me in providing this critical service to those in our communities who are in need.

With best regards,
Susan