Posts Tagged ‘World Blood Donor Day’

June 14 is World Blood Donor Day!

This year’s slogan is: “Give blood and keep the world beating.”

Did you know the World Health Organization (WHO) dedicates June 14 as the World Blood Donor Day? This day is dedicated to increasing awareness of the need for blood throughout the world and to make sure it is obtained properly and safely from individuals.

Blood transfusions are needed to save lives and are needed in every country. Everyone who can donate blood should do so to help those who are in need. You could save someone’s life!

The specific objectives of this year’s campaign are to:

• Thank blood donors in the world and create wider public awareness of the need for regular, unpaid blood donation.

• Promote the community values of blood donation in enhancing community solidarity and social cohesion.

• Encourage youth to embrace the humanitarian call to donate blood and inspire others to do the same.

• Celebrate the potential of youth as partners in promoting health.

Do you know the different blood types?

There are four primary blood types that exist. The types are:

• O
• A
• B
• AB

Blood type is passed down from your parents and is determined by genetics.

Blood type determines what antigens are present on your red blood cells. If someone is Type A, they have the A-antigen present. This person would also produce antibodies for the B-antigen. These antibodies would “attack” any red blood cells that present with this antigen, which is why it is super important that a person receiving blood is matched with the correct blood type.

There is also another factor that determines blood type, called the Rh factor. The Rh factor determines why some people are denoted as either + or – after their blood type. Rh factor is similar to blood types and if someone is positive, that means they have the Rh antigen present on their cells.

Universal donors are O negative. Universal acceptors are AB positive.

Blood type is almost evenly spread across all races around the world. AB- blood type is the rarest blood type and it is especially important for people who are AB- to donate blood when they can!

Donating blood is a simple process.

In the US, there are certain guidelines on who can donate blood and when:

• Must be at least 17 years old (16 with parental consent)

• Must weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health

• Must wait at least eight weeks from last donation

Certain disease states and criteria can exclude people from donating blood, such as:

• Fever

• Taking blood thinner (other than Aspirin)

• HIV/AIDS

• Men who have sex with men (must be three months at least since last intercourse)

• Certain medications

Even if you can’t donate blood but still want to help out, there are many ways people can, such as volunteering at a donation drive.

Go to https://www.redcrossblood.org/ for more information and where you can sign up!

References:

https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/blood-types.html

https://www.who.int/news-room/events/detail/2021/06/14/default-calendar/world-blood-donor-day-2021

Pictures:

https://www.orthoclinicaldiagnostics.com/global/covid19/home/three-things-to-know-about-the-association-between-blood-type-and-covid-19

https://www.india.com/festivals-events/world-blood-donor-day-2020-know-all-about-the-day-and-why-it-is-important-4053098/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood_type

Friday, June 14, is World Blood Donor Day.

The World Health Organization (WHO) started marking this day a decade ago in order to make us aware that the need for donated blood is a constant one, and, additionally, to thank those benevolent donors who gave some of their life to save another’s.

Natural disasters such as tornados, wildfires, and hurricanes can be devastating. One way to prepare for their eventual occurrence is by maintaining an adequate blood supply. Blood can always be shipped to those who need it most.

Many of us are familiar with the American Red Cross. For those in or around Plain City, here are two nearby blood collection centers:

• Union County Chapter of the American Red Cross

112 East 5th Street, Marysville, OH 43040

(937) 642-6651

• Carriage Place Donor Center

4820 Sawmill Road, Columbus, OH 43235

(614) 326-2337

Open: Tuesday-Saturday; hours vary daily

The Red Cross is holding collection days at other locations on special days, as well:

• Friday, June 14^th, 1:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Riviera Golf Club, 8205 Avery Rd, Dublin, OH

• Friday, June 14^th, 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Dublin Community Church, 81 W. Bridge St., Dublin, OH

• Friday, Jun 21^st, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Netsmart Technologies, 555 Metro Place N., Dublin, OH

***Buy 1, Get 1 FREE COUPON for the COLUMBUS ZOO with each donation** at any Red Cross site.

Here are some questions that you might have when considering blood donation:

Q. Do I qualify to donate blood?

You must be 17 years or older, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be generally healthy (or under control, if treated for a condition). A brief medical history, travel history, and vital signs will be taken at your appointment including temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and hemoglobin.

Q. How can I prepare before I donate? The Red Cross recommends:

• Hydrate – drink water the day of your donation.
• Comfortable clothes – be able to roll up your sleeve.
• Iron-rich foods – In the weeks before donation, add more of these foods: beans, peas, strawberries, raisins, dried fruit, spinach, broccoli, greens, shrimp, tuna, scallops, oysters, breads, meats, and eggs, to name a few.
• List of medications– Very important for you and for the Red Cross. List all prescription, over-the-counter, herbal, and supplemental products you are using.
• Bring an ID – Driver’s license, donor card, or two other forms of ID.
• Bring a friend & Relax – sit back, chat, relax, or think about how you are helping others in need.

Q. How long does it take?

About an hour. It is recommended to enjoy the free snacks and rehydrate after donating. You can stay in the recovery lounge as long as you like.

Q. What should I do after donating?

Say thank you to yourself! You’ve just done a really good deed.

The Red Cross also encourages you to drink more water and avoid heavy lifting or exercise – the only time exercise is not recommended! And wear your bandage proudly!

“Give the Gift of Life: Donate Blood”

American Red Cross (source): (http://www.redcrossblood.org/centralohio); 1-800-Red-Cross (phone)

Read Red Cross personal stories on Facebook: (https://www.facebook.com/RedCrossBlood)

World Health Org: (http://www.who.int/campaigns/world-blood-donor-day/2013/en/index.html)