World Blood Donor Day
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14 Jun 2014 |
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Grand Cayman Sunrise
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Jun 14, 2014 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
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On Saturday, June 14 all Rotary and Rotaract clubs will be having members, friends and family go to the GT Hospital for World Blood Donor day in the efforts to have more donors sign up and give blood on a regular schedule.
Exert from gov.ky: In order to ensure enough supply during emergency situations such as hurricanes, officials with Cayman's Blood Bank and the National Hurricane Committee invite residents to sign up as blood donors. "Having more persons enrolled would be helpful in the event that we are unable to import blood, if flights become unavailable during an emergency," explained the bank's Quality Coordinator Judith Clarke. "It also means that we would call on individual donors less often." The blood bank is trying to keep the blood supply at two times the normal volume, in case it becomes difficult for donors to reach the Blood Bank, which is located in the Cayman Islands Hospital, during an emergency, she added. "There is no substitute for human blood" in case of surgeries, treating accident victims, cancer patients, dialysis patients, anaemic babies, etc., she acknowledged. The bank's stock during normal times is 30-40 units; these are renewed regularly, as donated blood shelf life is 35 days.
In addition to providing benefits for patients, donating blood also is beneficial for donors. Ms Clarke noted that before donating blood, the volunteer's health status is assessed. And donating also stimulates the bone marrow, which helps to produce new cells. There's also the emotional satisfaction of knowing that the donation can help to save someone's life, she said. According to bank's estimations, the demand for blood has increased along with Cayman's population; therefore, all eligible residents between the ages 18 and 30, who are in general good health, should consider donating blood. "It is very difficult to predict the need for blood in cases of emergency, but in the case of a catastrophic event we would rely heavily on the kindheartedness of blood donors to come in at odd hours and short notices," Ms Clarke said. Why donate? You'll make a real difference in the life of someone in need- A single donation of blood can help to save the lives of up to three persons.
- It builds commitment to the community.
- You'll know that adequate supplies of blood are available for yourself, family members, friends, and co-workers.
- You'll become a member of a special group of volunteers.
- Donating will help others in emergency situations.
The procedure for giving blood
You will be asked basic information such as your name, etc.- You will then be asked to fill out a questionnaire, answering questions about your health, lifestyle, medication and travel.
- Your blood pressure and heart rate (pulse) will then be taken. If these are OK, you will be permitted to move to the next step.
- A blood sample is then taken to check your haemoglobin level. If this is OK, you will be permitted to move to the next step.
- The actual blood-drawing procedure is done by a specially trained lab technician called a phlebotomist. It usually takes 5 -10 minutes. There may be a little sting when the needle is inserted, but there is usually no pain during the donation.
- After the donation, the donor is encouraged to relax for about 10 minutes and have some refreshments before leaving.
- It takes your body approximately 3-8 weeks to completely replenish the red blood-cell levels. But the volume is replaced within 72 hours. Source: The Blood Bank at the Cayman Islands Hospital
All members are encouraged to participate in this Community Service event. Even if you are not eligible to give blood we encourage you to show your support and come to the GT Hospital from 9am to noon. Make sure to add your name to the sign up sheet on Wednesday and become a regular blood donor... someone's life may depend on it.