When is World Blood Donor Day?
World Blood Donor Day 2027 is on Monday
Monday, June 14, 2027
June 14 every year. That's in 253 days.
until World Blood Donor Day begins, in your time zone
World Blood Donor Day thanks the volunteers who give blood without payment and raises awareness of the need for a steady supply of safe blood. WHO leads it with international blood and Red Cross organizations.
About World Blood Donor Day
Donated blood and blood products are used every day in surgery, emergency care and the treatment of many illnesses, and because blood components can only be stored for a limited time, supplies depend on people giving regularly. WHO describes a blood service that gives patients access to enough safe blood as a key part of an effective health system, and the day encourages countries to build that service on voluntary, unpaid donors.
Four international bodies created the day: WHO, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Federation of Blood Donor Organizations and the International Society of Blood Transfusion. The first World Blood Donor Day was held on June 14, 2004. In May 2005, health ministers at the 58th World Health Assembly adopted resolution WHA58.13, which made it an annual event on the same date.
June 14 is the birthday of Karl Landsteiner, the Austrian physician born in 1868 who discovered the ABO blood groups in 1901 and later helped identify the Rhesus factor. His work made it possible to match donors and patients safely, and he received the 1930 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Each year a host country holds the main global event, and WHO sets a slogan that thanks donors and invites new ones.
Sources: World Health Organization: World Blood Donor Day, WHO Western Pacific: World Blood Donor Day, WHO: About World Blood Donor Day (resolution WHA58.13), International Society of Blood Transfusion: World Blood Donor Day. How we check dates.
How to mark World Blood Donor Day
- Find out if you're eligible to give blood and book an appointment with your local or national blood service.
- If you can't donate, help in other ways, such as bringing a first-time donor with you or volunteering at a blood drive.
- Organize a group donation at your workplace, school, club or place of worship.
- Learn your blood type, which many blood services share with donors after their first donation.
- Thank someone you know who donates regularly, or share why you give to encourage others.
World Blood Donor Day dates
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Saturday, June 14, 2025 |
| 2026 | Sunday, June 14, 2026 |
| 2027 | Monday, June 14, 2027 |
| 2028 | Wednesday, June 14, 2028 |
| 2029 | Thursday, June 14, 2029 |
| 2030 | Friday, June 14, 2030 |
| 2031 | Saturday, June 14, 2031 |
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Frequently asked questions
When is World Blood Donor Day 2027?
World Blood Donor Day 2027 is on Monday, June 14, 2027. It falls on June 14 every year. In 2028, it is on Wednesday, June 14, 2028.
Why is World Blood Donor Day on June 14?
June 14 is the birthday of Karl Landsteiner, who discovered the ABO blood group system in 1901. His discovery laid the groundwork for safe blood transfusions.
Who can donate blood?
Rules differ by country and blood service, and usually cover age, weight, health and recent travel. Your national or local blood service can confirm if you're eligible.
Is World Blood Donor Day a public holiday?
No. World Blood Donor Day is an observance, not a public holiday, so schools, banks, government offices and most businesses keep their normal hours.