Have you ever given blood? I have been a regular donator of blood in the past, proudly collecting the little certificates they gave me in a little book. Unfortunately due to a blood transfusion when I had my son I can no longer give blood. I am in the category of those who cannot give blood anymore but many people can.
This year’s World Blood Donor Day is on the 14th June. The campaign has been developed to raise awareness as to why we should give blood and why timely access to safe blood and blood products is essential. Did you know that every day, about 800 women die from pregnancy or childbirth-related complications worldwide? Giving blood will help prevent maternal deaths during delivery and after childbirth as well as saving many lives for those with life threatening illnesses and conditions.
Benenden Health are currently running a survey to determine if people give blood, common misconceptions about donating and barriers preventing people from giving blood.
Image courtesy of Sura Nualpradid / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Here are some common questions that people ask about giving blood.
Why give blood?
Thousands of people every day need blood and blood products such as red cells, platelets and plasma for emergency and long-term treatment. Giving blood can literally save someone's life. Due to the short shelf life of blood and blood products and the fact that it is difficult to predict demand, regular supplies are essential.
Blood Types
There are eight blood types and some are rarer than others. For example, O Rh negative blood, is rare but essential as it can be given to anyone regardless of their blood type. Only 2 per cent of the population have B Rh negative which is more often found in ethnic minorities. Blood donors are wanted for all types of blood but especially for those rarer blood groups.
I'm Not Sure If I Can Give Blood
The majority of people can give blood but some cannot. If you pop along to a session they will be able to tell you. Some of the common reasons why people cannot give blood include
- You have a cold, sore throat or chesty cough
- You have had a tattoo, semi-permanent makeup or any cosmetic treatment that involves skin piercing in the last 4 months.
- You have taken a course of antibiotics in the last 7 days or are taken one currently
- You have received blood during the course of medical treatment or procedure since 1st January 1980.
If you are concerned check out this link below on who can or cannot give blood.
Image courtesy of Sura Nualpradid / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
If you want to find out where the nearest session is check out this Session Finder on the Give Blood website. There are also blood centres up and down the country where you can drop in and give blood within certain times.
Giving blood is a selfless act and it can make a real difference to someone's life. Someone gave blood and it made a difference to my life, why don't you make a difference to someone's life today.
* in collaboration with Benenden Health
