The blood supply chain begins with the blood donor and blood services strive for 100% voluntary non-remunerated blood donation (VNRBD). For a robust blood supply, selection, assessment and retention of donors is important. The study of demographics and psychology of blood donation is carried out by many blood services and Academic institutes so that they can better understand trends in blood donation to ensure an adequate supply. The health of the donor is important both pre- and post-donation, therefore, health and personal questionnaires are key. Because some donors donate very regularly they may become susceptible to iron depletion and anaemia, and should therefore be monitored regularly. To raise awareness of the importance of safe blood and to thank all blood donors, annually, on June 14, World Blood Donor Day is celebrated globally.

Current Leadership
Karin Magnussen

Karin Magnussen

Donors and Donation Working Party Chair, Medical Director, Dept. Blood Centre and Laboratory Medicine, Innlandet Hospital, Norway

Eva-Maria Merz

Eva-Maria Merz

Donors and Donation Working Party Secretary, Group leader, Full Professor, Sanquin, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands