Dr Yousuf Ali Al mulla
From time to time we hear slogan “With the soul and the blood we are redeemed and works for our society ... What sincere and expressive chants. However; these commitments are not translated into action. The call to donate blood to blood banks for sick individuals with various medical conditions is not taken seriously. Not to mention that blood donation is one of the most common ways people choose to give back to their societies and what our true religion dictates to us of the meanings of mercy, solidarity and giving.
Of course the need for blood donation is always high. In fact it is required to meet the need in hospitals and emergency rooms every day and there is demand for patients with cancer and other diseases, surgical support and accident/trauma victims. Unfortunately despite the high demand and the general recognition of its importance, only small numbers of peoples compare to whole population who are able to donate blood. Moreover, we should know that a single donation can save three lives. One blood donation provides different blood components that can help up to three different people and blood cannot be manufactured despite medical and technological advances!
We do recognize that donating blood is one of the most common ways people choose to give back to their communities, and I should here re-assure you that the standard donation is approximately 450 mL, slightly less than half a liter or two cups. This represents a small portion of the blood in a person’s body, as the average adult has about 5 liters.
However, most people between the ages of 17-65 are able to give blood, but regrettably around half or less our current donors are over 40. That’s why we need more young people (over the age of 17) to start giving blood, so we can make sure we have enough blood in the future. So, I urge people who are aged 17 or above, a healthy individuals, free of infection or disease, have abstained from drugs or other intoxication to donate and save a life.
It is really beneficial to the receiver of your blood, but also it is for you as a donor as you will maintain a good weight specially if you are a regular donator. Additionally, your body will stimulate new blood cells production ,which in turn maintain a good health , not forgetting that blood donation also lower the risk of cancer, beside definitely other good effects in your heart and liver. Looking to that I believe that such way of participation and regularly in blood donation, will detect any infection or some illnesses as part of pre-blood donation checkup and this is free of cost! and even you ended with any disease mostly it will be detected in early stage as you are checking for it regularly, where you will take an early action!
Ultimately, the transfusion process is safe at each step from the receipt of each product through the transfusion to the patient and always the goal is to have processes in place to provide the right blood to the right patient at the right time for the right reason. So, you do not know what blood type you are, it may be helpful to find out. If your blood type is rare as in type O, your blood donation would be especially appreciated. However, all donations – no matter the type are always needed and valued, as from a single donation, different type of components including plasma, platelets and others which can be used for different patients.
Eventually you or someone you know; a friend, neighbor or family member will need blood. Volunteer donation fosters a feeling of doing something generous for others; I would say here your community is depending on you!
Dr.Yousuf Ali Al Mulla is a physician, medical innovator and writer
