About World Blood Donor Day
World Blood Donor Day on 14 June thanks voluntary, unpaid blood donors and encourages more people to give blood regularly. It falls on the birthday of Karl Landsteiner, who discovered the ABO blood groups, and is one of the WHO’s official global health campaigns.
Blood cannot be manufactured, so hospitals depend on people who donate it voluntarily. Donated blood helps patients during surgery, after accidents and childbirth, and those who need regular transfusions, such as people with thalassaemia. A safe, steady supply depends on healthy people giving blood regularly, not only in emergencies.
The day is held on 14 June, the birthday of Karl Landsteiner, the scientist who discovered the ABO blood group system and won the Nobel Prize for it. The World Health Assembly made World Blood Donor Day an official annual event in 2005, and the World Health Organization leads it.
How it is marked
Blood banks, hospitals, NGOs and service clubs organise donation camps and thank regular donors with certificates or small events. Colleges and offices host camps in partnership with licensed blood banks, and social media is used to encourage first-time donors. In India, National Voluntary Blood Donation Day on 1 October carries a similar message, and many donors mark both dates.
What to write
Thank the donor sincerely, or encourage someone warmly without pressure.
- Your donation got Papa through his surgery. We never met you, but we think of you often. Thank you.
- Still scared of the needle and still at every camp. Thank you for turning up anyway.
- Thinking of donating for the first time? I'll come with you, and the juice and biscuits after are on the blood bank.
How to wish someone on World Blood Donor Day
thanks to regular blood donors, and gentle encouragement for first-time donors
Write a few lines in your own words, pick a design and share it as one link on WhatsApp, Instagram or anywhere else. They open an animated card made just for them, with no app and no sign-up.
Language tip: English, Hindi + recipient language.
Frequently asked questions
Why is World Blood Donor Day on 14 June?
The date is the birthday of Karl Landsteiner, who discovered the ABO blood group system. His work made safe blood transfusions possible.
Who can donate blood?
Healthy adults who meet basic age, weight and health requirements can usually donate blood. The blood bank checks eligibility, including haemoglobin level, before every donation.
How can an office organise a blood donation camp?
Contact a licensed blood bank or hospital, fix a date and space, and encourage staff to register in advance. The blood bank brings trained staff and equipment and handles screening and safety.
When is World Blood Donor Day in 2026?
World Blood Donor Day 2026 falls on Sunday, 14 June 2026.
What is World Blood Donor Day?
World Blood Donor Day on 14 June thanks voluntary, unpaid blood donors and encourages more people to give blood regularly. It falls on the birthday of Karl Landsteiner, who discovered the ABO blood groups, and is one of the WHO’s official global health campaigns.
Is World Blood Donor Day a public holiday?
Holiday status for World Blood Donor Day varies by state, employer and community in India, so check your local holiday list.
How do I wish someone on World Blood Donor Day?
Focus on thanks to regular blood donors, and gentle encouragement for first-time donors. On Kehdoo you can write a short message, pick a design and share a free animated World Blood Donor Day card as a single link, with no app or sign-up needed.
Sources
Last verified by the Kehdoo team on .