World Blood Donor Day is recognised on June 14 and this year celebrates 20 years since its inception by the World Health Organization. The day provides an opportunity to increase awareness around the world about the critical need for a sustainable and safe blood supply.

Being a celebratory year, the theme is about saying    ’Thank you, blood donors’

To read more about this significant day please visit the World Health Organization’s website World Blood Donor Day 2024.


Blood and blood products are essential resources for effective management and research into blood diseases. These disorders can be inherited or acquired, common or rare such haemophilia, von Willebrand disease, myelofibrosis, polycythemia vera and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. 

You can read about these on the PBI website under ‘about blood disorders’.


How PBI clinical trials patients benefit from donated blood

Western Haematology and Oncology Clinic (WHOC), work closely with PBI and our clinical trials patients. Blood donated to Australian Red Cross Lifeblood is used by WHOC to provide blood transfusions for some of our clinical trial patients with conditions like anaemia, which is a consequence of some blood disorders and blood cancers like leukaemia. The blood is matched with donations based on blood type and other antibodies they may need.

Perth Blood Institute (PBI) and our research

PBI’s Research division's mission is to improve patient outcomes through the development of targeted therapies. It does this by collecting validated clinical data and bio-banked biological material from patients with common and rare blood diseases. This provides the research team with a better understanding of the molecular basis of diseases; improves knowledge; and allows PBI to develop new diagnostic tests and targeted therapies.

“A blood donation can save three lives as the blood is split into red cells, plasma and platelets.” Grace Gilmore, Research Scientist Murdoch University

Every blood or plasma donation is a precious gift.

Donating blood is a significant and selfless way for eligible individuals to get involved and contribute to this world-wide event.