Celebrating Blood Donors

(NAPSA)—Each year millions of people receive life-saving blood transfusions from individuals whom they will never meet and whose identity they will never learn. Donating blood is a selfless act and it is important to cele- Blood donors give over 81 million blood donations every year and help to save millions oflives. brate the unsung heroes who volunteer to aid those in need. World Blood Donor Day was established to do just that. This global celebration—held annually every June 14—aimsto raise awarenessof the need for safe blood around the world, to thank and honor those blood donors who make transfusion possible, and to encourage healthy, eligible individuals to give blood regularly. According to AABB (formerly known as the American Associa- tion of Blood Banks), approximately 39,000 units of blood are required each day in the U.S. to treat patients with cancer, to support organ transplant recipients, and to help save the lives of accident and traumavictims. One unit of blood can save up to three lives. Celebrate World Blood Donor Day by making an appointment to give blood. Visit www.aabb.org to locate a blood donor center in your area.