When most people think about blood donation, they think of emergencies, such as trauma cases, accidents, and lives saved in critical moments. Yet for millions of people, access to blood is also essential for surgeries, cancer treatment, childbirth complications, and other life-changing medical care.
— June 2026 —
Michelle*, who lives in Jamaica, knows this reality firsthand. For years, she lived with uterine fibroids, a condition that gradually worsened and began to affect every aspect of her daily life. At first, she hoped it would improve on its own. Instead, the fibroids continued to grow, bringing increasingly severe symptoms.
Heavy menstrual bleeding led to severe anemia, and constant fatigue made daily activities increasingly difficult. Over time, her condition took a significant toll on her health and well-being.
Like many women facing surgery, Michelle was reluctant to undergo an operation and tried to manage the condition for as long as possible. Eventually, a myomectomy became the only realistic option for relief. After consulting with her doctor, she agreed to proceed, and a surgery date was set.
However, a new challenge soon emerged.
Pre-operative tests showed that Michelle was severely anemic. Her blood levels were too low for surgery to be performed safely. The condition had also begun to affect her heart, increasing the risks associated with the procedure.
Determined to get well enough for the operation, Michelle’s doctor prescribed iron tablets and recommended increasing iron-rich foods. Despite these efforts, her blood levels remained too low, and the surgery could not proceed.
A blood transfusion
Her doctor then recommended a blood transfusion to help stabilize her condition and make surgery possible.
At a regional hospital in central Jamaica, Michelle prepared for the procedure, but first faced a new reality: before she could receive a transfusion, someone had to donate blood.
“When Michelle told me that she needed blood, I didn’t hesitate,” her cousin Jerome recalled. “I saw the pain that she had been living with for years and decided I would do anything to help her get better, including giving blood.”
His donation helped ensure that Michelle could receive the transfusion required to move forward with treatment.
“Knowing that members of my family stepped in to help means a lot to me,” Michelle said. “All I wanted was to no longer be in pain and to get my life back, and they made that possible.”
Michelle’s experience is not unique. Every day, patients depend on blood transfusions not only in emergencies, but also for a wide range of medical treatments and chronic conditions.
In many countries in the Caribbean, blood supply remains insufficient and uneven, limiting timely access for patients in need. At the same time, voluntary and repeat donors account for 70.9% of donations in the region—highlighting progress, but also the need to reach 100% regular voluntary donation.
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) supports countries in strengthening national blood systems, including Jamaica’s National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS). This includes strategic planning, technical cooperation, and the development of protocols and guidelines aligned with regional standards for blood safety.
Unlike many medical products, blood cannot be manufactured. Every unit available for transfusion comes from someone who chooses to donate, making voluntary blood donors an essential part of every health system.
That simple fact lies at the heart of World Blood Donor Day, observed annually on 14 June, which recognizes voluntary, unpaid blood donors and the indispensable contribution they make to patient care around the world.
This year’s theme, “One Drop of Humanity. Give Blood. Save Lives”, highlights how a single act of generosity can have a direct impact on another person’s recovery, treatment, or survival.
Michelle’s story highlights a reality often overlooked: blood is needed every day, not only in emergencies. Behind every transfusion is a health system that depends on a steady supply of donated blood.
For Michelle, that generosity made it possible to undergo surgery and begin recovering her health. But every day, many patients rely on blood from voluntary donors they may never meet. Ensuring a safe and reliable blood supply depends on people choosing to donate regularly, before an emergency arises.
Building a reliable blood supply
Equitable access to safe blood is a right for all people and depends on strong, well-organized national blood systems capable of ensuring a reliable and safe supply of blood and blood products.
PAHO works with governments to strengthen blood services, improve oversight, and expand voluntary, unpaid blood donation as the foundation of safe and sustainable supply systems. While family or replacement donations may help meet immediate needs, they are not sufficient to ensure long-term availability.
Achieving a stable blood supply requires regular voluntary donors, efficient services, and sustained investment. This helps ensure that safe blood is available for everyone who needs it, when they need it.
* Name changed to protect the patient’s privacy.