Saving Lives, One Drop at a Time: Celebrating World Blood Donor Day

Posted On: 2023-06-13 12:49:25

Blood donation is a simple yet mighty act of kindness that can significantly impact someone’s life. Every year on 14th June World Blood Donor Day is observed worldwide to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products for transfusion, as per the World Health Organization (WHO). The day also highlights the critical contribution that voluntary and unpaid blood donors make to the health systems to save lives.  

Blood is the most precious gift that anyone can give to another person – the gift of life. A decision to donate your blood can save a life, or even several if your blood is separated into its components – red cells, platelets and plasma – which can be used individually for patients with specific conditions. 

Women who experience issues during pregnancy or childbirth, kids with severe anaemia, frequently brought on by malaria or malnutrition, accident victims, people undergoing surgery, and people with cancer all require blood.

There is a constant need for a regular supply of blood because it can be stored only for a limited period before use. Regular blood donation by a sufficient number of healthy people is needed to ensure that blood will always be available whenever and wherever it is needed.

A person who is healthy and doesn’t have any infection that can be transmitted through blood can donate blood. The age at which people are eligible to give blood varies but is commonly between the ages of 18 and 65. Healthy adults can give blood regularly – at least twice a year. 

Certain individuals cannot donate blood if there are underlying health issues like cancer, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, certain heart or lung diseases and blood disorder. Even individuals who are on certain medications can be denied blood donation. Pregnant women or recent childbirth within the past 6 to 12 months are usually not allowed to donate blood because of the potential impact on their health. Even with recent surgeries or medical procedures completed individuals can be temporarily denied from donating blood.  

Usually, people decline from donating blood because of the myths regarding it. Let’s debunk some of the common myths related to blood donation. 

1. Could contract long-standing infections if donated blood - Blood donation is a controlled process with extensive use of disposable needles, bags and sterile procedures; therefore, one cannot contract an infection while donating. 
2. Donating blood is painful and time-consuming - Fear of needles and pain is one of the commonest reasons why people do not donate blood. The entire process of blood donation, including the check-up, takes an hour with blood donation taking about 20 minutes only.
3. Donating blood makes you weak and sick and can lead to infertility/impotence - Healthy eligible donors are not at any risk due to blood donation. The body normally replaces the donated blood cells with new cells within 6-8 weeks. 
4. People with tattoos and piercings cannot donate blood - Blood can be donated if tattoos and piercings are done in safe and licensed parlours. If not, then blood can be donated after a wait of three months.

By becoming a blood donor, you make a difference in the lives of those in need. Your selfless act of donating blood can save lives, support emergency preparedness, and promote community well-being. We hope that this article was helpful and useful for you. Please share this article with all the parents around you. Filaantro also supports blood donation campaigns and you can also be part of our journey. 

                                            Author: Athira Pradeep Nair