As every year, World Blood Donation Day is organized by EFS, the French Blood Establishment. In 2015, it takes place on Sunday, June 14th.

World Blood Donor Day is easy

Just log on to www.dondusang.net , "where to give" section. We have the choice: there are 173 fixed sites in which we can go at any time and 39,000 mobile collections are organized throughout France all year round. In other words, the collection truck comes to us! Once on site, the sample takes 10 minutes plus another 15 minutes spent resting and / or snacking. When one has officially become a "donor", one can be requested by a transfusion center in case of urgent need. But nothing obliges the donor to accept, one can refuse without having to justify himself.

World Blood Donor Day: It's not tiring

Since May 15, 2008 , a hemoglobin control is done before each donation . This makes it possible to identify the anemic people, who are therefore not in a condition to be taken. They then have to wait 6 months during which they consult their doctor to treat this anemia. Other changes: Since April 19, 2009, it is possible to be a donor until age 70 (against 65 years previously) and women can give blood 4 times a year (instead of 3 times so far). Sign that donations of blood are well supported!

World Blood Donor Day: It's really useful

Each year, nearly 500,000 blood transfusions are performed in France. The needs increase by 3% per year because of the increase in life expectancy and the progress of medicine (especially in oncology). But the number of donors remains stable (around 4% of French people). These donors are less available during certain periods (holidays, influenza epidemic ...), but needs exist, they 365 days a year, the life of the blood being limited (42 days for example for red blood cells).