World Blood Donor Day Sunday, June 14

LANCASTER, PA, June 2015 -- Each person has the capability to become a hero by donating blood to save the life of someone who desperately needs it. Lancaster General Health’s Blood Donor Center, located at the Suburban Outpatient Pavilion, 2104 Harrisburg Pike, Suite 202, wants to remind everyone that June 14 is World Blood Donor Day.

World Blood Donor Day is celebrated on June 14 of each year to raise awareness of the need for blood, which is constant, and to thank blood donors for their life-saving gifts of blood.

This year’s theme, “Thank you for saving my life,” will focus on those who have donated, while also encouraging others to donate blood. Amy Welsh, Blood Donation Recruiter for LG Health, adds, “The campaign highlights stories of people whose lives have been saved through blood donations. We hope by sharing their stories that others will be motivated to become regular blood donors.”

Though the Blood Donor Center will not be open Sunday, June 14, the Blood Donor Center has expanded it hours from three days a week to five: Mondays, 10 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.; Tuesdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Fridays, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

To donate blood you must be: 16 years of age or older; weigh a minimum of 110 pounds; be in good health (no cold, sore throat or flu symptoms);  no recent major surgery; no history of hepatitis; and no tattoos or body piercings within the last 12 months.