World Blood Donor Day is celebrated on 14 June as a worldwide celebration to honour and thank those people who donate their blood on a voluntary, unpaid basis to give the most precious gift of all the gift of Life. This year the focus is on thanking blood donors and on raising awareness of the role of safe blood transfusions in preventing maternal deaths.

Why should people donate blood?
Safe blood transfusions save lives. Sadly, for many patients, blood transfusions are not available. As there is no blood bank facilities in Anguilla for keeping blood for a prolonged period of time, there is a constant need to have many people give blood voluntarily, on a regular basis, to ensure that blood is accessible to every patient who requires transfusion as part of their treatment. There are many reasons why a patient might need blood. Blood is commonly used for women with complications of pregnancy such as ectopic pregnancies and haemorrhage before or during childbirth. It is also needed for accident victims and surgical and cancer patients.

Safe blood for safe motherhood
Worldwide, more than half a million women die every year due to complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Severe bleeding during delivery is the most common cause of maternal death in developing countries: and one of the most common reasons why so many women die is that there is a shortage of safe blood. More individuals becoming voluntary donors of blood will go a long way in decreasing this shortage and prevent many deaths.

Who is a voluntary, non remunerated blood donor?
Voluntary, non remunerated blood donors are individuals who give blood, or other blood components, of their own free will and receive no payment for it either in the form of cash or in kind which could be considered a substitute for money. There are a number of persons who are voluntary, non remunerated blood donors in Anguilla and all residents of Anguilla must be thankful and appreciative of these individuals as they play a crucial and important role in delivery of health care in Anguilla. There is a need, however, for more voluntary, non remunerated blood donors. A decision to donate blood can save the life of one or even several people.

Can everyone give blood?
Every country has criteria for donor selection. More information on the criteria for Anguilla can be obtained from the Laboratory at the Princess Alexandra Hospital. Prior to giving blood you will be asked some questions about your medical history, current health and lifestyle. You will then be given a brief medical examination that include, checking your pulse, blood pressure and weight. A sample of blood would be taken to be tested for various infectious diseases and to determine if you are anaemic. Blood will not be taken unless you can safely give a donation that day. Donating blood is very simple. The amount of blood taken is about 450 millilitres and your body will replace the lost fluid within about 36 hours. The process of donating blood is safe and there is very little discomfort during or after donation.

Who should not give blood?
You should not give blood if your own health might suffer as a result. You should not give blood if you are anaemic, pregnant or recently had a baby, have certain medical conditions or taking certain medications. You should not donate blood if you have, or may recently contracted a sexually transmitted disease, such as HIV or syphilis or used injected drugs.

If you are not sure whether you can donate blood you should contact personnel at the Laboratory at the Princess Alexandra Hospital.

Conclusion
World Blood Donor Day is a celebration of voluntary, unpaid blood donors who give of themselves to improve and save lives. As we celebrate this year we hope to raise awareness of the need for safe blood for safe motherhood as this will drastically reduce the number of individuals dying from bleeding complications associated with pregnancy. Safe blood saves lives. Become a voluntary donor as soon as possible.

Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. Dr. Brett Hodge is an obstetrician/gynaecologist and family doctor who has over twenty years in clinical practice. Dr. Hodge has a medical practice in the Johnson Building in The Valley.

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