Giving blood is a lifesaving act
Blood is the most precious gift that one person can give to another – the gift of life. Deciding to donate your blood can save one life, or even several if your blood is separated into its components—red blood cells, platelets, and plasma—that can be used individually in patients with specific diseases.
Anyone with a television has seen the effects of physical trauma from accidents and conflicts, and knows that the ability of medical personnel to donate blood in emergencies can save lives. However, the most common use of donated blood in Canada is for people with cancer or blood disorders such as hemophilia – whose livelihoods depend on regular transfusions and a steady stream of donors.
Giving blood can improve the lives of others
“Donating blood is a way to get involved in your immediate community and help those around you,” says Dr. Sarah Vossoughi, Medical Director, Columbia University Irving Medical Center. “People who do these things and participate in their communities in these ways tend to have better health and live longer.”
According to Dr. DeSimone, up to three lives can be saved by donating blood. People often donate because it feels good to help others, and altruism and volunteerism have been linked to positive health outcomes, including a lower risk of depression and increased longevity.
Blood donation is an important part of the global community
Your commitment and support will help ensure that World Blood Donor Day will have greater impact and strengthen the global solidarity that donating blood saves lives and that the provision of safe blood and blood products is an essential element of every health system global awareness. Interested partners at all levels are welcome to participate to make World Blood Donor Day a global success.
Blood donation units support complex medical and surgical procedures and play an important role in saving the lives of many mothers and newborns. They are very helpful in saving lives in emergency situations and even in man-made or natural disasters.