( CNN ) -- According to the World Health Organization , 800 women die every day from pregnancy and childbirth-related complications . Severe bleeding is the cause of 34 % of maternal deaths in Africa , 31 % in Asia and 21 % in Latin America and the Caribbean . Because of these statistics , the theme for 2014 's World Blood Donor Day is `` Safe blood for saving mothers . '' Held on June 14 each year , the date marks the birthday of Karl Landsteiner , who helped make modern blood transfusions possible . One blood donation can save the lives of up to three people , and the donation process only takes eight to 10 minutes , according to the American Red Cross . Find a blood donation center near you .
800 women die every day from pregnancy and childbirth-related complications . World Blood Donor Day honors the man who helped develop transfusions . One blood donation can save the lives of up to three people .