What can you do on Blood Donor Day?

by Anastasia Cojocaru

Yesterday I was saddened to hear on the radio that the altar built for the 64 victims of the fire at the `Colectiv` nightclub was vandalised. Even though I was living abroad at the time of the tragedy, I remember how Romanian people used every means they had at hand to do something for the victims of this incident. It was moving to see on social media how many people volunteered to donate their blood to help the ones affected by the fire. I tend to believe that the same goodwill is still out there today and that Romanians are as willing to help their neighbors as they were then. There are different reasons why someone decides to donate blood: some were asked by a friend, some know that a family member or a friend might need it some day, and some believe it is the right thing to do.

Donating blood constantly is crucial for stocks to be maintained at acceptable levels given that it can be stored for only a limited time before use. It is not sufficient to give blood once if you really want the help you’re offering to make a real difference!

On why you should consider donating blood, the WHO states the following:

‘Blood is the most precious gift that anyone can give to another person — the gift of life. A decision to donate your blood can save a life, or even several if your blood is separated into its components — red cells, platelets and plasma — which can be used individually for patients with specific conditions.’

Still, there are more reasons to donate blood which are not  necessarily related to the moral argument above. You can benefit from free blood tests and your blood will renew itself faster, for instance. However, all of these are secondary incentives compared to main point: helping save someone’s life.

So today go check with your local blood donation center to see if you’re eligible and become a donor if you can.

Photo: medium.com