Global Blood Fund Is Thankful for You

In 2024, Our Blood Institute donors and Global Blood Fund supporters stepped up in a major way, making blood safer and more accessible across the world. For that, we're abundantly thankful.

In a world where so much of our lives are shaped by convenience and access, it's easy to forget the immense challenges faced by communities with limited resources. But when organizations like Global Blood Fund step in, offering hope, support and tangible solutions, the impact is life-changing.

This is a story about gratitude — for the generosity of donors, for the collaboration between global partners and for the power of giving that makes a lasting difference.

Hope Christian Hospital: A Beacon of Health in Ghana

Hope Christian Hospital, located on the coast of Ghana, is more than just a healthcare facility — it's a lifeline for orphaned, needy and abandoned children, as well as the surrounding community. Serving over 30 villages, the hospital focuses on women's and children's health, offering 24-hour emergency services for those in urgent need. Despite its dedication, the growing hospital faces a limiting barrier: limited access to blood supplies and transfusion abilities.

Without a local blood bank, blood for HCH patients must be sourced from distant locations, often requiring a courier service, or — in the case of emergencies — from family and friends of the patient. This situation not only compromises patient safety but limits the hospital's potential to serve as a regional blood bank.

MORE: "If we have the means to do this work, the stories may change."

Thanks to a partnership with GBF, the situation is improving. In collaboration with the hospital’s management, GBF and HCH identified the most urgently needed equipment. In celebration of World Blood Donor Day in June, the GBF and OBI donor community rallied together around an ambitious goal: raise $20,000 in one week to kick off HCH’s expansion into a local blood bank. By week's end, we raised an incredible $29,794.

With this funding, GBF is providing the necessary equipment for the initial startup of a blood bank. This collaborative effort enhances patient care and brings hope to many who rely on this hospital for their health and well-being.

Giving New Life to Blood Banking Equipment

Across the world, millions of dollars' worth of blood banking equipment is displaced from U.S. blood centers each year due to routine upgrades. Often, this equipment ends up being recycled or discarded, despite its continued functionality. GBF has found a way to turn this excess into a lifeline for blood services in low-income countries.

Through their innovative program, GBF collects and rehomes equipment such as bloodmobiles, donor beds, centrifuges and microscopes, ensuring these resources are used where they are most needed. In doing so, the equipment allows blood services in developing nations to provide better care in their communities while promoting sustainability and reducing waste.

MORE: Why This GBF Volunteer Cares So Much

This year alone, GBF has made significant strides in rehoming equipment, and with plans for a new platform to streamline donations in the future, this impact is poised to grow even further.

Tailored Solutions for Local Challenges

Sometimes, the solutions to global health challenges are as unique as the communities they serve. The National Blood Service Ghana faced difficulties engaging local communities for blood donations.

In partnership with other organizations, GBF helped design a free pre-donation ABO Rh testing program, which not only provided valuable health information but also opened new doors for blood donation within local communities.

In Nigeria, a blood collection center was facing public fatigue with their "give blood" messaging. GBF responded by organizing a creative contest that encouraged people to share their personal blood stories. The result? A wave of creative content — from poems to songs — resonated deeply with the community and re-energized the blood donation drive.

One of the most unexpected-yet-delightful initiatives this year was the distribution of the Revivr Blood Group Card Game through partnerships spanning the continent of Africa.

Initially conceived as a fun way to engage donors, the game has proven to be a valuable tool for staff training and community outreach, reinforcing the idea that creativity and gratitude can take many forms.

These successes are not just about solving local challenges; they're about creating a global culture of gratitude and support. GBF connects blood banking practitioners across the world, sharing knowledge and best practices to improve donor recruitment, retention and management.

A Global Network of Gratitude

At the heart of every success story shared here is gratitude. Gratitude for the volunteers and donors who make these initiatives possible. Gratitude for the partnerships that strengthen the global health network, and gratitude for the communities that embrace these opportunities with open arms.

As GBF continues to collaborate with blood centers around the world, we are reminded that even small acts of generosity can spark powerful changes. Whether it’s providing critical medical equipment, creating engaging campaigns, or simply sharing knowledge, gratitude is the common thread that unites us all in the fight to save lives.

Gratitude isn’t just about saying "thank you." It’s about recognizing the power of collective action and the ways in which we can all contribute to making the world a healthier, more compassionate place. Through partnerships like those between GBF, international blood services and local communities, the potential for positive change is limitless — and for that, we can all be deeply grateful.

How You Can Help

Your generosity is crucial in continuing these lifesaving programs. Whether you're donating blood, time or money, every bit counts. Ready to take action and contribute to this global cause? Consider making a monetary donation today, or learn about the ways you can aid GBF's efforts directly as an OBI blood donor. It's through the collective efforts of people like you that we can keep this important work going.

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This post is a testament to the impact of collaboration, generosity, and the power of shared purpose. As we reflect on the incredible efforts of organizations like GBF, let’s take a moment to appreciate the ways in which we can all contribute to making the world a better place, one act of gratitude at a time.