Happy World Blood Donor Day, every June 14th, we celebrate those who have donated their blood voluntarily to save lives. The aim for celebrating this event is to raise awareness for the need of Blood to save more lives and to encourage more people to become new donors.
As we celebrate World Blood Donor Day, I’d tell you 5 facts about Blood and blood donation.
1 Did you know that donating blood not only save the lives of people but yours also, this is because blood donation can help reduce excess iron levels in the blood, thereby preventing hemochromatosis a condition that can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
2. People with Type O negative blood are universal donors. This means they can donate blood to any blood type, but O negative blood can only receive from O negative blood which makes this blood type very important and rare.
3. An adult have around 10 pints of blood, and can loose a pint without it causing harm to the body, so donating a pint of blood won’t affect one’s health.
4. AB positive is a universal acceptor of blood, while O negative is a universal giver, AB positive is a universal acceptor, people with this blood type can receive blood from any blood type.
5. Blood products like plasma and cryopecipitate are stored in a frozen state and can be used for up to one year after collection.
In conclusion, World Blood Donor Day is to raise the awareness for the need of regular blood donations, and to celebrate those who have donated their blood to save lives. Donate blood today and save a life.