How to Save a Life: World Blood Donor Day

Photo by the Author

As a student, I always thought that the worst possible experience I would ever have to go through was a missed deadline, the rigidity of a terror professor, or a mediocre grade. While I have experienced all of them, my sudden hospital confinement during the ever-taxing, eye-bag-inducing, and energy-draining finals season remains to be at the top of my list.

Due to hormonal imbalance, I bled so heavily for an entire month that I needed to be hooked for a blood transfusion. One drip at a time, two bags worth of blood were trickling down the tube and into the veins of my immobilized hand while the other worked to complete my academic backlogs.

Despite how difficult my situation was, I felt relieved to know that there was an abundant supply of blood products in our local health center to treat patients like me. Of course, it would not be possible without the volunteerism of the generous blood donors—that is why if there is anyone I would like to personally thank right now, it would be my anonymous blood donor who unknowingly saved my life.

My experience is only one of the many stories that detail how donating blood can save people's lives. The importance of blood donations lies in the aid that patients receive to improve the quality of their lives; it supports patients suffering from severe anemia, women with childbirth complications, accident victims, cancer-stricken individuals, and other people with various conditions.

Blood is a valuable and life-changing asset that must be accessible to anyone who requires it, and we can make this happen by rolling up our sleeves and making a generous donation. The fact that just one blood donation can make a difference to up to three people further underlines why more people should become blood donors.

Photo from RT Magazine

In addition, not all regions in the Philippines have plenty of blood product resources, which is all the more reason to offer our life-saving blood. The occurrence of the pandemic disrupted numerous bloodletting operations nationwide due to safety concerns and fear of contracting the virus. Consequently, places such as Bicol were declared to have a critically low blood supply last January.

Another reason to volunteer in bloodletting procedures is that it has scientifically proven benefits for the donor. Health professionals revealed that making regular blood donations reduces stress levels, uplifts emotional well-being, shrinks the possibility of developing cardiovascular issues, and among others.

Having read the importance and benefits of donating blood, are you now ready to save a life? As per Unilab, one must tick the following boxes to be an eligible blood donor: is between 18 and 65 years of age; weighs at least 50 kilograms; is in good physical condition; and must have passed the initial health screening.

After satisfying the said prerequisites, here are what to generally expect in the blood donation procedure, as affixed on the Red Cross website:

Registration. Firstly, the donor shall fill out the registration form with guidance from the assigned facilitator and be inquired about basic contact and personal information.
Donation. In this step, the donor will undergo blood extraction which takes roughly 8 to 10 minutes.
Refreshment and Recovery. After completing the blood extraction process, the facilitator shall direct the donor to the refreshment area and be provided some snacks to regain energy and strength.

Photo from Philippine Red Cross

This World Blood Donor Day, let us all make a difference by becoming blood donors. As Dr. Derek Shepherd of Grey’s Anatomy once uttered, “It’s a beautiful day to save lives.”

To set a blood donation appointment, get in contact with your local blood bank by browsing the locator function on the Philippine Red Cross website.