World Blood Donor Day

Posted by Thomas Bynde on June 17, 2020

Illustration by Vitalii Kokota from iStock

World Blood Donor Day is an awareness campaign which not only acknowledges and thanks the people who already donate blood, but also aims to raise awareness about becoming a donor, encouraging more people to make it a regular habit.

Giving blood provides others the chance to live a higher quality of life and, in some cases, it can be lifesaving, too.

Blood is frequently required in times of emergency, such as natural disasters like earthquakes, tsunamis, or during times of war, or crisis such as the Covid-19 pandemic. Blood is also needed for life threatening events such as accidents, injuries, operations and for a number of ongoing long-term medical conditions.

In some countries, where natural disasters frequently strike, blood donations are extremely low, usually within poorer populations that often need it the most. Recent examples include the devastating floods in Myanmar, or the earthquake in Haiti. Countries like these have to rely on donations of blood from other countries.

The donation of blood is a life safer – but it must be safe blood. Donors must be healthy to give blood. The blood is tested rigorously to ensure it is safe before being used. Because of this, most donated blood comes from only 16% of the world’s population, which is why “World Blood Donor Day” is attempting to raise awareness, encouraging more people to become donors. Click here to read more about the World’s Health Organisation aims and ambitions.

The process of giving blood usually only takes around 10 minutes. It is a simple and painless process.

On the day, remember to…
• drink plenty of fluids.
• Eat regularly before the donation.
• Avoid doing any strenuous exercise, or heavy lifting.
• Wear something comfortable, with sleeves, that can be rolled up above the elbow.
• Take a list of any current medications you take, together with a form of recognised ID (either a passport, or a donor card). Check this link for further details.

If you’re thinking about becoming a blood donor – thank you. If you are already one, it’s a HUGE thank you from all of us at Ability Superstore.