Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies makes products that collect, separate and process blood and cells. We celebrate World Blood Donor Day because it highlights the significance of blood donations and the constant need for blood, which the World Health Organization calls "essential medicine."
The company hosts blood donation clinics at its offices worldwide. Employees are encouraged to donate blood if they are able and advocate for blood donation among their friends and family.
Mark Miller, a blood donor for the last 35 years, is a prime example of how our employees promote blood donation.
"Blood donation has always been a passion of mine ever since I first donated as a freshman in college," says Miller, Reveos Global Platform Lead for Terumo. "When I began my career with COBE Cardiovascular, I got to see firsthand blood components helping save lives during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. I try and alternate between giving whole blood and donating platelets and plasma. I generally donate 4 to 6 times per year, so I estimate I have given around 200 times or roughly 25 gallons!"
He says that giving whole blood is quick and generally painless. "The feeling of giving back is unparalleled. There is a shortage of blood in our country - giving whole blood, or platelets/plasma, helps fill the needs of our local hospitals. You never know when you or your loved ones will be counting on a volunteer donor, so pay it forward!"
Hear from Chetan Makam, General Manager, Global Blood Solutions, Terumo Blood & Cell Technologies, about why blood donation matters.