What is your notion about blood donation?  Blood is the most important liquid stuff inside our body. Blood donation these days becomes more and more common to our health care providers and plays a big role of saving one’s life. This has been taking an important part of any medical treatment center that is trying to save one’s life in the brink of death and life.

There are a lot of people creating groups and associations that primarily aims to donate blood and save life. But are you one of them? Do you really care of donating blood? How far have you been trying to help lives with your blood?

These are some question that might felt by the people who are donating their blood. People who are creating a world of giving. People who do not need to be paid in exchange of their blood. People who are willing to help. People who care for other’s life.

- Pwengbee

We all know how important blood donation is. Or do we really? Most Filipinos, including myself, gets afraid when we talk about donating blood. This can be attributed to the fact that there are so many myths and misconceptions about blood donation. Some think that when you donate your blood, you are actually “sacrificing” because you are losing something you might never get back. But this isn’t true. If you are healthy (you should be, if you are donating blood), then your body can reproduce enough blood to replace what you donated in a matter of 24 hours.

For some a blood donation is a gift of life – an offering to the community and to the people who need it. In a study conducted by the National Blood Foundation in the US, it was found that most people who donate blood do it to help others. Quite a few said that they do it in order to feel good about themselves and as a way of paying back the society for the times that their family members needed transfusions in the past. Whatever your purpose is, one thing is sure – you are helping someone.
Of course, if you are donating blood, you need to be healthy and well rested. Also, you need to avoid fatty foods and make sure that you have some food to eat before the actual blood donation. Alcohol and medication should be avoided at least 24 hours prior to blood donation.
After donating blood, the doctor (sometimes a volunteer) will give you advice on what you should do. It is important that you follow these to keep yourself healthy. You will need to drink plenty of fluids like water or juice as you can become dehydrated after donating. In most cases, you will have to refrain from stooping down to avoid blood from getting to your head which could make you dizzy. Also, you will feel a little week after donating blood so you need to avoid strenuous activities such as lifting heavy objects and driving vehicles. It is important that you avoid lifting heavy objects using the puncture arm in order to avoid accidents.

If you experience bleeding on the punctured arm, apply pressure on the site. You might also experience discoloration and swelling on the site, for this, apply cold compress for 24 hours, and hot compress for the next 24 hours. If you still feel dizzy after donating blood, lie down with your feet elevated and drink plenty of fluids. Do not be afraid, these are all normal and will soon pass. If it helps, keep in mind that you are doing a good thing and a little dizziness is all you have to endure.

Leukemia is a cancer of the blood or bone marrow and is characterized by abnormal production by multiplication of white blood cells called leukocytes. One known personality in the Philippines who is diagnosed by this disease is the popular host of Eat Bulaga and Filipino Rap musician Francis Magalona. He formally released a statement regarding his condition at a noontime variety TV Show Eat Bulaga last August. This was a great shock for everyone who is closed with Francis M and the showbiz world. Cancer really hit people unexpectedly and anybody can have it. No one is exempted, rick or poor, children or adult and male or female.

In his condition, it requires blood transfusion and requires a lot of individuals to donate blood to cope up with his scheduled blood transfusion in the future. That’s why having a website like the Philippines Blood Registry in the Philippines that allows you to search for blood donors in the future is a convenience for both the patients and families of the patients.

- Gurl Mingot

The little kid ran out into the street unexpectedly.  The slow moving car had no time to react. It ran over the child. For the 10 or 15 people in the immediate vicinity – time stood still as the screeching tires and thud registered in their minds.

The child’s blood was everywhere on the street. The mother and driver appeared in shock.  Someone called an ambulance. It was a small town – the transport was there in minutes. The child and mother were to be taken to the small hospital in the next larger town.

Some of the bystanders exchanged contact information.
We got back in our car and continued our trip.

Later someone wrote and said there had been massive internal damage.  The hospital didn’t have enough of the child’s blood type on hand to sustain the emergency operations. They tried to quickly find more blood somewhere – anywhere. By the time donors were located – time had run out. There was no further need to donate.

It only took a second for the accident to happen. It took more then half a day to try and find donors of the correct blood type. Better idea: identify donors in advance of the need.

Gilda

Editor’s Note: Help build the national online database of individual’s willing to donate blood in the event of a future accident – operation – illness. It’s dumb to waste lives because information wasn’t organized in advance – made available with a mouse click. www.PhilippinesBloodRegistry.com

Tell members of your local Medical community about the Registry. They’re the ones that have to watch in frustration as a life slowly fades.

There are a lot of blood donation drives all over the country and around the world that is looking for eager citizens to donate their own blood to help those who are in desperate need of blood. No, these are not given to vampires who can’t survive a day without sucking fresh blood but it’s given to people who are at the brink of death either because of an accident or of a physical condition that requires them to look for an immediate source of blood.

People are scared of donating blood because it’s not painless and many are scared of needles and the thought that a one inch needle would be pricked into their veins just doesn’t sound too appealing to many.  It is scary but if you just think about the lives you get to save just by making that little sacrifice, suddenly it will dawn on you that there is a great need for blood donations and your contribution can truly save another person’s life. After all, it’s just one little prick and after donating blood you can just go on with your life.

Think about it. What have you done in your day that is significant?  Would there be any act that is more righteous than saving another person’s life? Much more, saving a stranger’s life without getting anything in return?  It’s a sacrifice that truly defines your character as a person.

Also, when you get to donate blood you are entitled of the same amount of blood that you can request once you or your loved ones would be in need of some blood as well. So, donating blood is really of a double purpose. You get to save a stranger’s life and you can also save yours or your loved one’s life when it’s your turn to be in desperate need of blood supply.

There is a constant need for blood donations. More blood is needed everyday. You can save a life today by making that decision to go and donate some blood.

- Eli

Blood is the fluid of life. It is also the fluid of growth and the fluid of health. The body’s organs get the oxygen and nutrients they need in blood in order to survive. That’s why humans can’t live without blood. Without enough blood, we will be weaken and die; we couldn’t keep warm or cool off but with the help of blood we can also fight diseases or illnesses, or get free of our own waste products. Almost all of us are expecting that blood is always there for us. But sooner or later there is a possibility that all of us will face a time of great weakness in which we will need blood. And that time is not always we expect.

Now a days, many community services were formed in order to help those people who need blood. In the developed world, blood donations arise in order to help those people who are in need of blood and there are also donors that can also have their blood drawn for their own future use. When we say blood donations, it is when a healthy person voluntarily has blood drawn. The person who gives their blood for a community supply is called the blood donors. Mostly blood donors are unpaid volunteers who give as an act of charity. Some donors give blood only when family and friends need transfusions.

Potential donors are evaluated whether their blood is unsafe to use or not because blood transfusion may cause transmitted disease like HIV or Human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis which includes the hepatitis A, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. There is also a physical examination to those potential donors to make sure that the donation is not harmful to their health before the donation is done. In an examination, they also check whether you have a tattoo or not, if you have, you cannot make a donation because having a tattoo, your blood is considered as unclean. One thing that the donors should bear into their mind that “when they give blood, they save life”.

Aiza Artillero

1. There are plenty of blood donors out there.

If this is only true then we won’t be hearing about blood letting campaigns of both private and public organizations. For the fact that more than half of the population of the Philippines can donate blood. But in contrary almost 10% of this are only are qualified to donate. As we all know that many people are suffering from diseases and other factors that hinders them to be a qualified blood donor.

2. It hurts.

Yes it is but it does a little. As some of the sign says ‘Parang kagat lang nang langgam!’. But the it is funny to tell that it hurts more than that its like an ear piercing but only done briefly. What hurts more is looking at someone you care about needing a blood but its not there.

3. Maybe next time.

It only takes 30 to 45 minutes when donating a blood. The longer process here is to determine whether you are a qualified blood donor or not. But come to think of it accidents may happened unexpectedly. So it is an advantage that you already have a blood card for you to secure blood any moment you need it.

4. They ask embarrassing questions.

Maybe you are referring to questions which are very personal. This people deals with this matter professionally and have no any other intentions but to ensure a safe blood supply for our patients and a safe donation experience for our donors

5. I might be infected with other disease during the process.

Only trained professionals such as doctors and nurses facilitates this activity. Every piece of equipment are sterilized to ensure the safety of the donors and to prevent any untoward things that may happen.

6. I am taking medicines, so I can’t donate.

Maybe you’re right. Maybe you’re not. Just ask the right person about this.

7. I’m too old or too young.

There is no longer an upper age limit for donation. As long as you are healthy and weighs at least 50 kilos or 110 pounds, you can donate a blood. If you’re under 17. But once you turn 17, if you’re healthy and weighs at least 50 kilos or 110 pounds, you can be a hero. Hero because when you donate blood you save lives.

Written by Ryan T. Prader (angat ang pinoy)

Blood is very much needed especially when there is a Dengue outbreak in your place.  Just like when my older sister had a dengue fever two years ago.  That time, she needed a platelet blood transfusion so badly because her platelets had gone to zero.  There was none available in the hospital.  We are here in Pangasinan province and we still need to buy it in Manila.

Today, here in Pangasinan, there is another Dengue outbreak especially in Calasiao where there are more than 100 cases.  The other day, there was a blood donation campaign held in San Miguel Calasiao.  Every blood donor receives 1 kilo of rice and a pack of grocery items.

Blood donations help a lot of indigent patients who really needed it fast.  So let us support blood donation campaigns, and if possible, let us donate blood to save lives.

SuperCyvershop

Blood donation give life to people that need blood and for sickness like Leukemia, car accidents, etc. The purpose of this Directive is to set standards of quality and safety for blood and blood components throughout the blood transfusion chain. If you need blood, it’s a good place to turn to. It’s simple. It’s effective. It’s Free. It can match you with a donor near you in minutes. And you hopefully can help save the life of a person. Aspects for blood donors is healthy and discussed as part of the donation process for any blood collected. Every donor will receives brief examination during which temperature, blood pressure, pulse, blood count are measured before donating a blood. Each donor with an acute infection is [are] not allowed to donate blood. The reason is must be evaluated to determine if the donor has a bacterial infection that could be transmissible by blood. Some illness are acceptable as long as you feel well and good conditions under good control, and you have an adequate hemoglobin level and your temperature is normal and time for donate blood, and meet other eligibility requirements. Donation of blood would be of immense use to protect the lives from death and help poor people.

Rose Sobrevega

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Editor’s Note:  The idea behind the Philippines Blood Registry is to identify people who would consider donating blood – BEFORE the blood is needed for a specific individual. If you know someone who would consider helping to save a life in the event of an accident – operation – illness – GET THEM TO A COMPUTER with an Internet connection. Ask them to register on line. Takes 3 minutes.

They don’t give blood now – they register to donate later if there is a specific need.
Means precious time is not wasted looking for maybe donors after there is a critical need. You identify prospective donors before there is an emergency crisis.

Blood is of so much importance to ones and every life, for blood is life. Blood can be defined as the fluid we have in our bodies that carries oxygen from the lungs to the other parts of the body. So its supply to blood banks must suffice the needs of those who need it. The Red Cross has a standard procedure that if a patient needs a blood transfusion, there must be a donor who has the same blood type with the patient who needs it. This is in exchange for the blood that the patient or his relative shall be taken from the Red Cross. A patient who needs blood transfusion may have suffered from these several causes: Surgery, Car accidents, Dengue, Low of blood, Premature Birth and any other similar cases.

At this instance, it is our chance to help others who need our blood. The blood you give will save the lives of others, may it be your family or loved ones, friends, and even other persons you do not know. How fulfilling it is to imagine that you have saved life with that blood you have donated. We must understand that blood cannot be manufactured in any means. So I guess this is one of the reasons we have to implant in our hearts and mind why we need to donate blood. Not everyone can save a life. But you have the chance to do so. Please do not throw away or ignore that big chance.

Kleansy

Everyone expected blood is available everywhere and thanks to those who give blood for donations. It is honor, spirit and resources to all people  who need blood donation and without money to buy, comes helping neighbors when needed. Free blood donation is good especially to people who cannot buy for blood so that he/she need a blood donor to survive. Rules for donating blood donors must be healthy, at least 18 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, do not take antibiotics, and not been donated for last past weeks. Some people need blood donor is from accident, illness, people that don’t have enough supply of blood in their body they need blood donors from someone else who can give. Some hospital al the red cross sometime don’t have supply of blood so that they need donors. Some of the blood donors those who will pledge to donate are invited to register their name, blood group, contact number and address. Voluntary blood donors donate blood for own free for altruistic reasons and get no reward except personal satisfaction. Patients who receive free blood feel a sense of being cared for by others that they never meet. People donate blood for different reasons some do it for friends, family members, or even themselves. Others volunteers to help people they don’t even know.

Renan Orola

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Editors Note: When sign-up for the online Philippines Blood Registry - you are not donating blood to some form of ‘blood bank’ anonymous pool. You are registering to potentially donate fresh blood in the event that a specific individual needs blood due to an accident – operation – illness.

In essence, you are placing yourself ‘on call’ for those in need in the form of an online ‘directory’. If you know anyone in the medical field in your area – advise them of the Registry’s availability. They are the one’s who have to deal first hand with the emergency.

Think about organizing a ‘Sign-Up’ party at your school, business organization or government office. You can download and print a small poster here for your bulletin board.

… or more commonly known to Filipinos as Blood Donation.

Usually, we have programs here in the Philippines, whether be it by some government agencies or private organizations, doing some Bloodletting Program for a cause. This activity is usually in partnership with Philippine National Red Cross or any medical establishments like hospitals. I attempted to join and donate some liters of blood but never had the courage. I am not even aware of my blood type yet. But once I donated some blood with Red Cross, I can have blood in exchange when I need it. Well, that’s not it - having blood supply in return.

Really blood saves lives and blood is considered to the most precious fluid. And donating blood, I say, is a noble act. Recipients of the bloods are not only the fortunate but the donors as well. Science proves that it has incredible health benefits by donating blood.

Blood donation removes some of the excess iron which can cause free radical formation in the body. In fact, studies have shown that men who donate blood on a regular basis have a lower risk of heart disease. With heart disease being the number one cause of death in males, this is, indeed, an important health benefit of donating blood.
[ source: http://www.healthmad.com/Health/The-Incredible-Health-Benefits-of-Donating-Blood.85641 ]

Maybe next time when I am invited for a Bloodletting Program, I will not hesitate to do so. Hope you too can share blood and start saving lives.

Jerome R. Locson

Editors Note: When sign-up for the online Philippines Blood Registry - you are not donating blood to some form of ‘blood bank’ anonymous pool. You are registering to potentially donate fresh blood in the event that a specific individual needs blood due to an accident – operation – illness.

In essence, you are placing yourself ‘on call’ for those in need in the form of an online ‘directory’. If you know anyone in the medical field in your area – advise them of the Registry’s availability. They are the one’s who have to deal first hand with the emergency.

Think about organizing a ‘Sign-Up’ party at your school, business organization or government office. You can download and print a small poster here for your bulletin board.