Yes, I agree with Mr. Strauss. The risk from a blood donation is absolutely minuscule compared to other things, like surgery. However, there are many public recognitions for tremendous amounts of service. People who have volunteered for years have received honours for having benefited the lives of many.
To my earlier point about risk and sacrifice, that still goes. However, the people we're talking about, who would give blood, even though they wouldn't actually be at physical risk, would spend a tremendous amount of time and effort providing a prolonged, life-saving public service. For that, I think select people who have done this regularly over decades and have saved many lives are also worthy of this honour.