R.I. to hold several blood drives in honor of World Blood Donor Day

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Today is the 20th anniversary of World Blood Donor Day.

The annual celebration is an opportunity for blood centers across the word to thank donors for their livesaving donations and honor their profound impacts on patients.

The World Health Organization (WHO) organizes World Blood Donor Day each year, and countries across the world participate.

According to a release, this year’s theme is “celebrating 20 years of giving” to thank blood donors and promote a culture of regular blood donation among young people and the general public, increasing the diversity and sustainability of the blood donor pool worldwide.

World Blood Donor Day comes at a critical time, as the summer months are challenging for blood collection.

Here’s a list of donation centers:

Kent Hospital in Warwick: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Dave’s Marketplace Hoxie, Warwick: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Dave’s Marketplace Quonset, North Kingstown: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Dave’s Marketplace, Cranston: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Dunn’s Corner Fire Department, Westerly: 10 a.m. to 6p.m.

Little Compton Fire Department: 2 a.m. to 7 p.m.