June 14 is World Blood Donor Day, tied to the birthday of Karl Landsteiner, founder of immunohematology. The article explains why this day was established, how donation is developing in Russia and the Irkutsk region, and why it is important to donate blood voluntarily. It also gives simple tips for future donors and an address where blood can be donated in Irkutsk.
By proposal of three international organizations: the World Health Organization, the International Federation of Blood Donor Organizations, and the International Society of Blood Transfusion, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, June 14 is observed as World Blood Donor Day.The date is dedicated to the birthday of the Austrian physician and immunologist Karl Landsteiner (1868‑1943). Karl Landsteiner was the first researcher in the field of immunohematology and immunochemistry. He was the recipient of the Albert Lasker Award for Clinical Medical Research (1946) — posthumously.
World Blood Donor Day was created to express gratitude to blood donors who save human lives every day by donating their blood, and to encourage people around the world to donate blood voluntarily.
In our country, blood donation began in 1926. At present, there are 14 donors per 1,000 people in our country.
2011 – according to the All-Russian survey by the “Publicity Consulting Group,” the Irkutsk Region was among the top three regions with a high awareness of blood donation (more than 60%).
Important! Not every person can become a blood donor. First, make sure that you have no medical contraindications to blood donation.
The day before donating blood, you should not consume alcohol, fatty or spicy foods, and you should refrain from smoking for one hour. On the morning of the day you donate blood, have only a light breakfast.
Perhaps your blood will save someone’s life!
Become a donor, donate blood at:
Irkutsk, 122 Baikalskaya St. - Irkutsk Regional Blood Transfusion Station, daily from 8:00 to 14:30, except Sunday.