The International world Blood Donor Day celebration has come and gone. The event which is done yearly was celebrated across the globe.
The Braithwaite Memorial Specialists Hospital was not left out of the game as she joined her sister organizations around the world to celebrate.
The World Blood Donor Day celebration by BMSH took place at the hospital premises on June 14, 2012 at about 9.00am, with a march of awareness by some of the hospital staff, members Club 25 and Rotary Club Trans Amadi, senior students from Christ The King Secondary School, Mile II Diobu, PH, Youths of Angela and The Rising Stars Initiative (ARISI) and others.
The campaign for the year 2012 is focused on the promotion of 100% voluntary non remunerated donations spiced up with many activities such as recognition of distinguished guests, prayers, opening remarks by the chairman of the occasion, the CMD Rivers State Hospitals management Board, Dr. Wali, welcome address by the host The MD, BMSH, Dr. Ijeru Olukunmi, situation report by the chairman of BTC, Dr. (Mrs.) Dorathy Okoh, Drama and sentization, good will message by Rotary Club, Trans Amadi Branch, District 9140, keynote address by the special guest of honour, the Hon. Commissioner of Health, Dr. Sampson Parker, refreshments, vote of thanks by the hospital secretary, closing prayer by the DCNS, BMSH.
The climax of the event was the ‘Voluntary Blood Donation by Donors.
From the report, out of the 100 pints of blood targeted 21 pints were donated. The donor “heroes” of the day include: Dorathy National Association of Blood Donors Organizer/First Aiders (NABODFA), Club 25, Rotary Club and a nurse.
Many people have knowledge of what blood donation is all about. Some may have the knowledge but may not know the true facts about it. They may have myth about blood donation which may have been told them by a friend, relative or any person.
Therefore, one needs fulfilment, we need to gain positive knowledge of what blood donation is all about. This will help us as individuals to see to the need of donating blood voluntarily, to save lives. Below are important points to note:
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BLOOD DONATION
What is Safe Blood?
Safe blood is that unit of blood that does no harm to the person who receives it. It is also that unit of blood donated by a voluntary, unpaid donor.
Who needs blood?
People who might need blood transfusion include: Accident victims Women as a result of complication resulting from pregnancy related issues, Anaemic patients, Cancer patients, Surgery patients. Sickle Cell patients.
Who can Donate blood
Any healthy male or female: Aged between 18 – 65 years, Weighs above 50kg, Blood (hemoglobin) level of at least 12g/dl. Avoid driving heavy duty vehicle within 12 hours of blood donation, Do not smoke or drink alcohol within 6 hours of blood donation, Avoid strenuous activity within 6 hours of blood donation.
Benefits of blood Donation
Free basic medical health, checks, Giver you a sense of fulfilment that you have save someone’s life, Help your body to produce new blood cells, Reduces workload on the heart, kidney and liver, Donated blood regularly and save lives.
Angela Inyena Anietie
