Everyone Encouraged To Give On World Blood Donor Day

DENVER (CBS4)- People around the world are urged to donate blood on Tuesday as part of an international campaign to boost the supply in blood banks for World Blood Donor Day.

Bonfils Blood Centers asked donors to donate in honor of the Orlando shooting victims. There has been a steady stream of people donating blood after the shooting early Sunday, and organizers hope to keep the donations coming. Those donations will stay in the local blood banks.

The World Health Organization said now is no time to slow down and has dubbed the theme for this year's event as "Blood Connects Us All." Blood donated on World Blood Donor Day is used in emergency situations and also will be delivered to places facing critical shortages around the world.

In many countries, demand exceeds supply and blood services face the challenge of making sufficient blood available.

Bonfils Blood Centers urge everyone to stop by a donation station or making an appointment online.

To find out where to give blood and if you're a qualified donor visit the Bonfils Blood Center website.