City Employees Take Part In World Blood Donor Day

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - People all across the country are expected to roll up their sleeves today for World Blood Donor Day.

Some say the event holds even more importance in light of the mass shooting in Orlando.

It's a day dedicated to the importance of blood donation and those who give the gift of life.

"I've been donating blood since I was a teenager. It's just something I've always done just because its needed," Connie Hamilton said.

"It's always important because there is always a need and I have O negative blood especially, so I'm a universal donor," Joan Anderson said.

Employees lined up to donate during the Central Blood Bank's drive at the City County Building in downtown Pittsburgh.

Central Blood Bank supplies all of the hospitals in Pittsburgh.

"Every two seconds, somebody needs blood. We need to see about 500 donors per day in order to make sure that will fulfill the community's needs," Central Blood Bank's Natalia Petrulli said.

When tragedies happen, like the recent mass shooting in Orlando, blood is even more critical.

Trauma patients can require as many as 100 pints of blood.

"There's always something going on, especially lately where a lot of blood is needed, whether it's a disaster or hurricane, tornado or what just happened over in Florida," Chris Reveille said.

"Just because of how tragic it is and there is such a need, its heartbreaking," Hamilton said.

World Blood Donor Day has been celebrated since 2004.

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