The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated June 14 as World Blood Donor Day. This year’s theme is “Blood connects us all.” The campaign presents video stories of those whose lives have been saved through blood donation and seeks to encourage blood donation, especially from young people who have never given blood.

According to the World Heart Federation, rheumatic heart disease (RHD) currently affects an estimated 15.6 million people, causing more than 233,000 deaths each year. RHD often begins with a strep throat which, when treated, can completely stop this preventable disease.

WiRED International is pleased to welcome Erin Baker, Ph.D., and Sameer Verma, Ph.D., to its Governing Board.

A recent Washington Post article cited a report stating that, for the first time, researchers have found a person carrying bacteria which is resistant to antibiotics of last resort. This is an alarming development that a top U.S. public health official says could mean “the end of the road” for antibiotics.

May 31 is World No Tobacco Day. The World Health Organization began this global observance in 1987 to highlight the health risks associated with tobacco use and to encourage governments to adopt effective policies to reduce tobacco use.

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is the most common heart disease in children and young adults in developing countries. WiRED has updated its RHD module for students to describe this serious but completely preventable disease.

May is National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month and Clean Air Month, reminding us that we’re entering the season where many people become vulnerable to environmental conditions.

When recently asked about hepatitis, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) spokesperson Jonathan Mermin, M.D., said: “Why are so many Americans dying of this preventable, curable disease?” Dr. Mermin speculated that many deaths could be avoided with simple testing for and treatment of hepatitis.

Do you know the range for healthy blood pressure? Do you know the signs of stroke? The month of May is a good time to refresh your knowledge about these conditions, because this is National High Blood Pressure Month and American Stroke Awareness Month.

WiRED International’s board and volunteers wish to thank the VMware Foundation for its recent generous donation in honor of an employee (who wishes to remain anonymous) who has been with the company for many years. WiRED plans to spend the funds on its “Mothers’ and Children’s Health” program.