June is Blood Donation Month, a key opportunity to express gratitude to those who donate voluntarily and altruistically, and to raise awareness about the ongoing need for safe blood reserves. In 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) reiterated that blood cannot be manufactured—it can only be obtained through human solidarity. A single donation can save up to four lives, a fact that continues to surprise many.

According to the WHO, blood is essential in a wide range of medical situations—from complex surgeries and high-risk childbirths to the treatment of conditions such as leukemia, sickle cell anemia, and the side effects of aggressive cancer therapies. It is also vital in cases of severe trauma, such as traffic accidents, where immediate transfusion is needed to prevent death from hemorrhage.

Transfusions save lives every day, yet in many countries, blood banks remain below the necessary levels to meet hospital demands.

The requirements to donate blood are generally simple: donors must be between 18 and 65 years old, weigh more than 50 kilograms (110 pounds), be in good health, have no recent infections, and not be taking certain medications. In most countries, men can donate every three months and women every four, though this may vary depending on local policies. The process is safe, takes between 30 and 45 minutes, and poses no risk to the donor.

In the United States, for example, the American Red Cross reports that less than 38% of the population is eligible to donate blood, yet only about 3% do so each year (American Red Cross, 2025). This gap between eligibility and actual participation is cause for concern, especially during public health emergencies or natural disasters.

This year’s message is clear: donating blood is a vital act of social responsibility. Visiting blood collection centers is not only a generous gesture—it’s a direct contribution to someone’s survival.