WHEREAS, a sufficient blood supply is a public health issue both locally and nationally, and our hospitals and medical centers need a readily available supply for our residents; and

 

WHEREAS, a sufficient supply of safe blood is a critical public health issue, as hospitals and medical centers require an available blood supply to support transfusions for individuals with severe anemia or traumatic injuries, patients undergoing complex medical and surgical procedures, cancer patients, and individuals facing a variety of other medical conditions; and

 

WHEREAS, one blood donation can help up to three patients, and although an estimated 37 percent of the United States population is eligible to donate blood, annually only about three to five percent of eligible people actually do; and

 

WHEREAS, Virginia Blood Donation Day effectively serves to remind us that we need to constantly replenish our blood supply through donation and community awareness;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, Governor, do hereby recognize September 4, 2026, as VIRGINIA BLOOD DONATION DAY in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.