Dear Editor,
Each year, on June 14, World Blood Donor Day (WBDD) is celebrated. The day is set aside to raise awareness about the need for safe blood and blood products in order to save lives. This year, the World Blood Donor Day slogan is “20 years of celebrating giving: thank you, blood donors!”
It commemorates the 20th anniversary of World Blood Donor Day, and the profound impact of blood donation on the lives of patients and donors. The campaign serves as an opportunity to express gratitude to blood, plasma, and platelet donors in the world, for their lifesaving donations. Moreover, it calls for action, motivating more individuals to join the global movement of blood donation.
Many of us have had firsthand experience regarding the need for blood. Perhaps it was a medical/ surgical procedure or an accident. Blood is critical to our survival. The need for blood is universal, but access to blood is not. In many countries, blood services face the challenge of making sufficient blood available while also ensuring its quality and safety. Lack of access to safe blood and blood products, especially in low- and middle-income countries, impacts all patients, including those requiring regular transfusion.
Every single blood donation is a precious lifesaving gift, and repeat donation is the key to building a safe and sustainable blood supply.
Blood Donation
In Jamaica, donations of whole blood are made, and the blood is subsequently separated into its components according to demand. One pint of blood can therefore be used for more than one person. Blood is given to patients with burns, sickle cell, traumatic injuries, cancers, some chronic diseases, and in childbirth. Interestingly, pregnant mothers are asked to have a pint of blood donated for them before they give birth, as there is a risk of significant blood loss during or after delivery. Persons who donate blood need to be healthy, over the age of 18 years, and weigh 110lbs or more.
In preparation for donation, there is an interview in which health and travel histories are taken and the donor’s hemoglobin or blood count is checked. The person’s blood pressure, pulse, and temperature are also checked. It is advisable to get a good night’s sleep the night before, and to hydrate with lots of water or any non-alcoholic drink before and after the pint of blood is donated.
The donor should have a non-fatty meal before giving blood. The entire process from interview to departure would take about one hour, with 10-15 minutes being the actual time for collection of the blood. Note should be taken that all the equipment used is sterile and being used only once. The donor is given a drink, and is allowed to relax before leaving the collection site. A regular blood donor can give a pint 4-5 times yearly. This donation is from the kindness of the donor’s heart, as there is no monetary compensation.
Debunking common myths about blood donation
• I have a tattoo, so I can’t give blood
In the majority of states, you may give blood immediately after getting a tattoo, if you got it in a shop that is state-regulated. Otherwise, you must wait three months to donate.
However, if you get your tattoo in Idaho, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Utah, Wyoming, or the District of Columbia, you must wait three months, no matter what.
• It will hurt to donate blood
Only for a moment. You will feel the first stick of the needle, but you should not feel any pain after that. Some of our loyal repeat donors even tell us they have gotten so used to the feeling that they barely notice the needle anymore.
• I have high blood pressure
You can donate blood as long as your blood pressure is 180 or below systolic (top number) and 100 or below diastolic (bottom number) at the time of donation. When you come in to donate, a staff member would check your blood pressure as part of the mini-health assessment conducted before donating. Taking medication for high blood pressure does not disqualify you either.
• I can only donate once per year
Your blood replenishes itself, but not all at once. Your body replaces the plasma you lost within 24 hours. Red blood cells take about four to six weeks to be completely replenished. That’s why you must wait at least 56 days between donations of whole blood.
On this World Blood Donor Day, let us be reminded that a blood service that gives patients access to safe blood and blood products in sufficient quantity is a key component of an effective health system. The blood bank is always in need of blood. Please donate today.
Sincerely,
Wayne Campbell
