WORLD BLOOD DONOR DAY

The World Health Organization (WHO) created World Blood Donor Day in 2004 to honor voluntary blood donors everywhere and to increase public awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products and to thank voluntary, unpaid blood donors for their altruistic act of giving life-saving gifts of blood. The day was chosen on this day to honour Karl Landsteiner, the Nobel Prize winner who established the ABO blood group system, and 14^th June is his birthday.

The day also highlights the importance of achieving universal access to safe blood transfusion. Every donation of blood is priceless and has the power to save lives. Establishing a safe and dependable blood supply system that can satisfy patient’s continuous requirements requires promoting repeat donations. By promoting regular blood donation, we can ensure a safe and sustainable blood supply for those in need. We at Gopsai Avinandan Sangha Group of Institutions feel priviledged to be a part of this noble act and thus arrange several camps for blood donation and keep spreading awareness of the same in rural mass.

Let us be briefed with the very basic information regarding this noble act.

The Importance of Giving Blood:

Blood donation is a key aspect of healthcare that directly affects patient care and medical emergencies across the globe. Consider these statistics:

• Every two seconds, someone needs blood.
• Blood transfusions save millions of lives each year.
• Donated blood supports the treatment and recovery of patients undergoing surgeries, trauma victims, cancer patients, and individuals with chronic illnesses.
• The Benefits of Donating Blood:

Apart from the significant impact on others' lives, donating blood also provides health benefits to those donating, which can include:

• Reducing the risk of heart disease.
• Lowering cholesterol levels.
• Stimulating the production of new blood cells.
• Burning calories.

 Who can Donate:

Every healthy adult who meets certain basic criteria can donate blood. Eligibility typically requires individuals to be at least 18 years old and to meet specific weight requirements, usually at least 50Kg. Furthermore, donors must be in good health, and free from illnesses and infections. Abiding by these guidelines ensures the safety and effectiveness of the blood donation process.

Types of Blood Donation:

There are various types of blood donations, each of which meets specific medical needs:

• Whole blood donation: This is the most common type of donation, where a pint of blood is collected.
• Platelet donation: Platelets are key for blood clotting and are often needed by cancer patients and those undergoing surgery.
• Plasma donation: Plasma, the liquid part of blood, is used to treat burn victims, shock patients, and those with blood clotting disorders.

A responsible donor must prepare himself/herself for donating blood. This includes eating a healthy nutritious meal and staying hydrated to ensure donor’s body is fueled for the donation process. Getting a restful night's sleep is important. Also, it's advised not to consume alcohol or engage in strenuous exercise just before donating, as these activities can affect the quality of the blood donation.

Every year the day is celebrated with different theme. The theme this year has been announced by WHO is : 20 years of celebrating giving : Thank you, blood donors ! This year’s slogan commemorates the milestone of the 20th anniversary and the profound impact of blood donation on the lives of patients and donors. The campaign serves as an opportunity to express gratitude to blood plasma, and platelet donors in the world for their lifesaving donations. Moreover, it calls for action, motivating more individuals to join the global movement of blood donation.

 So, together we must contribute our part in this noble cause of saving thousands of lives and also spread awareness amongst the youth to take this act for humanity forward.

@Sanchita Roychowdhury, 

Head- P.R & Digitisation, Gopsai Avinandan Group of Institutions

GOPSAI AVINANDAN SANGHA

Editor