Source: .patnadaily.com
On June 14th, World Blood Donor Day is celebrated worldwide! Thousands of donors will give their valuable blood, but unfortunately, it’s not nearly enough! The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies Bihar as a state that collects a very low amount of blood annually with only 20% of the estimated requirements being donated!
However, it doesn’t have to be this way. We can change this! It’s as simple as coming forward to donate blood and creating a new future for Bihar. Not only can we save so many lives, but it’s also the duty of every healthy citizen! Blood cannot be artificially manufactured by any means, so, it’s necessary to get blood directly from a donor. We will need a great number of volunteers, but Bihar can do it.
Who can donate blood?
Donors may be allowed to donate blood or blood components, like homologous, plasma, platelet, red blood cells, and granulocytes. Any donor (male or female) between 18 to 60, with a weight of more than 45 kg, is allowed to donate a minimum of one unit (350 ml to 450 ml) of blood once every three months. Almost anyone can donate blood at any time with the assistance of blood banks! A blood bank collects and stores blood and its components for future use. They properly examine the blood before transfusion to avoid spreading infectious disease. Blood banks are completely run by volunteers and donations so even if you are ineligible to donate blood, you can still help out in a variety of ways!
Why should I donate?
Blood donations are necessary for an emergency, but it also has
plenty of hidden benefits as well! Before donating blood, donors usually
will undergo a pre-donation screening which includes testing for
Hepatitis, HIV, Syphilis, and HTLV. This can help the donor find any
health concerns and is usually provided by the blood banks. In addition,
donating blood can reduce the excess level of iron in the body. Of
course, the donor can feel proud and good about themselves for this
selfless act!
If a patient needs blood for their own future
surgery, they are eligible to donate blood for themselves in a procedure
known as autologous blood donation. Blood banks will store their blood
until the surgery. This can help cut down on the overall need for blood!
Where should I donate?
India has more than 2000 licensed blood banks. Many people really want to donate blood to save lives. But, with that many choices, people become confused to make the right decision and moreover, they were not aware of it. In the capital of Bihar, Patna, Jeevan Rekha Blood Bank, National Blood Bank & Research Centre, and Bharat Blood Bank are the three best 24-hours blood banks identified by independent ranking website Three Best Rated® using their 50-point inspection.
From today, every individual in Bihar should make a resolution to donate blood to save lives! It’s not only our responsibility, but it’s also our duty!