World Blood Donors Day on 14th June 2005

Following the success of the World Health Day 2000 with the theme 'Blood Saves Lives, 14th June is observed as the World Blood Donors Day.
The date coincides with the birth date of Karl Landsteiner, who discovered the ABO blood group system.

The International Blood Donor Day is organized annually by the International Federation of Blood Donor Organizations since 1995. The World Blood Donor Day was started form the year 2004 is "Celebrating your gift of blood" and will highlight true stories of people whose lives have been changed by receiving blood.

The day is observed to create awareness of the importance of voluntary blood donation and encourage more people to become regular blood donors.

The day is supported by major organizations working for voluntary non-remunerated blood donation: the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Federation of Blood Donor Organizations, the International Society of Blood Transfusion and the WHO.