The 14th June was celebrated in Anguilla and many other countries around the world as World Blood Donor Day. The day was designed to celebrate and thank those many individuals who voluntarily donate their blood without any reward, except the knowledge that they have helped to save lives. It is to these unsung heroes that World Blood Donor Day is dedicated. There are many regular blood donors in Anguilla and the nation as a whole should be proud of them.
Why celebrate on 14th June?

This day was chosen as it provides a special opportunity for a united, global celebration on a day that has particular significance: the birthday of Karl Landsteiner, the Nobel Prize winner who discovered the ABO blood group system. It is hoped that World Blood Donor Day will create wider awareness of the importance of voluntary blood donation and encourage more people to become regular blood donors. The theme for 2008 is “Giving Blood Regularly”.

Individuals who have donated blood in the past know that it is a painless and safe procedure and usually continue to be blood donors.

The Need for more voluntary blood donors?

The laboratory at the Princess Alexandra Hospital is doing an excellent job in providing the safest blood and blood products for use wherever and whenever it is needed but their efforts are sometimes hindered by the lack of regular blood donors. As the number of serious motor vehicle accidents increases the demand for more blood donors in Anguilla will increase, hence the need for more voluntary blood donors. A special appeal is being made to young people to become blood donors. Blood donors are healthy individuals who live healthy lifestyles and undergo testing so that they can donate blood to individuals at critical times that could save the life of someone.

Individuals willing to become blood donors can contact the staff at the Princess Alexandra Hospital Laboratory.

Ensuring the safety of blood

There is a myth that you can get various infections if you donate blood. This is not correct. Once you are healthy you can be become a blood donor. Prior to becoming a blood donor you will be required to answer a few questions about you medical history and your blood will be tested for a number of potentially transmitted infections.

Evidence from around the world demonstrates that voluntary unpaid donors are the foundation of a safe blood supply because they are least likely to transmit potentially life-threatening infections, such as HIV and hepatitis viruses, to the recipients of their blood.

As the Laboratory at the Princess Alexandra Hospital does not have a Blood Bank the need for regular blood donors is even more critical.

The short shelf-life of blood components is another reason for regular blood donors in Anguilla. The needed for certain rare blood groups can be challenging at times for doctors and the staff at the laboratory at the Princess Alexandra Hospital.

When is blood transfusion required?

A number of medical conditions require the transfusion of blood and components of blood. Excessive acute bleed following vehicular accidents, complications related to pregnancy, cancer and other acute bleeding disorders are common reasons for blood transfusions. In most instances transfusion of blood is critical to the survival of the recipient. Blood donors are essential for any health care system hence the need for more blood donors on a regular basis.

Conclusion

World Blood Donor Day provides a unique opportunity for us here in Anguilla to give thanks to those very special people who provide the foundation of a safe blood supply, available to all patients requiring transfusion. To all those individuals who are regular blood donors in Anguilla we say special thanks, you are our quiet heroes. Individuals living on the island are being encouraged to become regular blood donors; those interested should contact the staff at the Princess Alexandra Hospital laboratory.

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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