World Blood Donor Day

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 World Donor Day, commonly referred to as World Blood Donor Day, is a yearly event celebrated all over the world on June 14. It is commemorated on this day as it is the birth anniversary of the Austrian-born biologist, physician and Nobel Prize laureate Karl Landsteiner who played a major role in identifying the Rhesus factor, alongside Alexander S. Weiner, which helps physicians to transfuse blood without risking the patient’s life. He has also distinguished the main blood groups back in 1900 which has developed the modern system of classification of blood groups. World Donor Day aims to spread awareness of the value of blood donation and to thank voluntary, unpaid blood donors for their contributions that save lives.



Millions of lives are saved annually by blood transfusions, yet in many regions of the world, blood banks struggle to keep a sufficient supply of blood on hand. A country's basic blood needs can be met and a sufficient supply of safe blood can be ensured if just 1% of the population donates blood according to WHO. Transfusion of blood can facilitate difficult medical and surgical procedures and prolong and improve the quality of life for patients with life-threatening diseases. In the care of pregnant women and newborns, it also plays a crucial, life-saving role. Access to safe and sufficient blood and blood products can contribute to a decrease in the death and disability rates brought on by heavy bleeding during childbirth and later.


Although eligibility standards for blood donors vary from nation to nation, the majority of individuals who do not have an infection that is capable of being transferred through blood can donate blood. Although the minimum age to donate blood varies, it is often between the ages of 17 and 65. Some governments expand the upper age limit past 65 years and accept donations from youngsters as young as 16 years old. Adults in good health can donate blood frequently, at least twice annually. It’s mostly up to your local blood service to determine how often you can donate blood.


Here are a few words that these people have got to share about their experiences donating blood. 


I have been donating blood since my college days. Total 38 times in my life, i have donated blood. 


Giving blood saves lives. The blood you give is a lifeline in an emergency and for people who need long-term treatments.

We need new blood donors from all backgrounds to ensure there is the right blood available for patients who need it.


Blood donation is absolutely safe. New, sterile disposable equipment is used for each donor, so there's no risk of getting a bloodborne infection by donating blood. Most healthy adults can donate a pint (about half a liter) safely, without health risks. Within a few days of a blood donation, your body replaces the lost fluids.

-John Aguair

Verem, Bardez




As a child I had seen my parents regularly donate blood during donation camps and it created a positive image about blood donation in my mind . In my teens, I was further determined to donate blood after witnessing health emergencies where my family members needed blood for survival. 


I got the opportunity to donate blood for the first time as a 1st year college student and the feeling was unmatchable. I have been a regular blood donor since. Our blood donation cards have helped several friends and family during surgeries and procedures.


There are several options today for people willing to donate blood. We can either donate blood during camps or visit blood banks and opt for voluntary blood donation. 


Blood donation is a noble cause and anyone who meets the criteria to donate should come forward and help the society.

-Shraddha Sadanand Kudchadkar

Sanvordem, Goa




Blood Donation, I believe is the highest donation that one can make in his/her life. It is one of those donations where there is no loss but there is only gain, not only to others but for your own-selves. It is the most selfless thing one can do in their life. When you donate blood you are just not saving one life but 3 lives in total (like when the blood is removed from your body it is divided in parts i.e. Plasma, Platelets and Red Blood Cell). Once you donate blood you really get a feel-good feeling. Well to add to this, I just don't donate blood but we in our family organise blood donation camps as well. We are a registered organisation by the name "Family Roots - Goa." We have been doing this for the past 10 years and have organised these camps in various parts of Goa. We are a group of all cousins and almost all of us in our family donate blood. By donating blood we might be just giving 1 pint of our blood to someone but by doing this simple act of kindness we are just not saving a life but the amount of happiness and hope we give to a person and their family is like an act of being near to God.


So be a hero of your life "DONATE BLOOD and SAVE LIFE"

-Rahi Nilesh Pednekar

Porvorim



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