‘EVERY DONOR IS A HERO’ THEME OF WORLD BLOOD DONOR DAY

COMMUNITY BLOOD CENTER JOINS GLOBAL PUSH FOR VOLUNTARY DONATIONS

Community Blood Center (CBC) will join the World Health Organization (WHO) in marking Thursday, June 14 as World Blood Donor Day. Events are planned around the world to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products and to thank all voluntary, unpaid donors for the gift of life.

“On behalf of Americas Blood Centers, the WHO, and all patients who are alive today because of a blood donor, Community Blood Center wants to recognize and sincerely thank blood donors in our area for their generous gifts of lifesaving blood,” said Jodi Minneman, CBC’s chief operating officer for blood services. “When you give blood, you are truly someone’s hero.”

The theme of the 2012 World Blood Donor Day campaign is “Every blood donor is a hero.” It recognizes the unsung heroes who save lives every day through their blood donations, and encourages more people around the world to donate blood voluntarily and regularly.

“To those who have never donated before, CBC extends a warm invitation to give blood donation a try,” said Minneman. “If you are already donor, we encourage you to consider giving one more time this year than you did last year.”



Nexcare Brand, in partnership with CBC and America's Blood Centers, is again sponsoring the Nexcare give program in recognition of World Blood Donor Day. This year Nexcare reminds people that "Giving Blood is Timeless" through a collection of limited edition bandage designs inspired by trends from past decades. Nexcare give bandages will be distributed to donors at the Dayton CBC and blood centers nationwide during the week of World Blood Donor Day, beginning Monday, June 11.

Today, the U.S. is one of the 62 countries where nearly 100 percent of blood donations are voluntary and unpaid. However, 40 countries still depend on family donors and paid donors for more than three-quarters of their blood supply. The goal of the WHO is for all countries to obtain their blood supply entirely from voluntary, unpaid donors by 2020.

Though blood donation in the U.S. is voluntary, only 37 percent of the population is eligible to donate, and less than 10 percent donate annually.

Important notice about changes to CBC donor ID system - CBC has assigned each donor a new, eight-digit donor identification number. When donors present their current ID card at a CBC branch or mobile drive it will be noted for replacement and the donor will receive a new plastic ID card and key fob card in the mail. Donors must use their new ID number to schedule an appointment on www.DonorTime.com.

Technology is making it faster and more convenient than ever to schedule your next blood donation. Just use your computer or smart phone to make an appointment online at www.DonorTime.com. You can also schedule your next appointment using your mobile device to scan the DonorTime QR code.


Blood donation requirements: Donors are required to provide a photo ID that includes their full name. Past CBC donors are also asked to bring their CBC donor ID card. Donors must be at least 16 years of age (16 years old with parental consent: form available at www.givingblood.org or at CBC branch & blood drive locations), weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, and be in good physical health. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) changes blood donor eligibility guidelines periodically. Individuals with eligibility questions are invited to email canidonate@cbccts.org or call 1(800)388-GIVE. Make an appointment at www.DonorTime.com.


Community Blood Center/Community Tissue Services® is an independent, not-for-profit organization. Community Blood Center provides blood products to 24 hospitals within a 15-county service area in the Miami (Ohio) and Whitewater (Indiana) Valleys. For more information about Community Blood Center/Community Tissue Services®, visit www.givingblood.org.