Become a blood donor today

THE EDITOR: At a time when most people are making resolutions and goals they would like to accomplish in the year forthcoming, it is my most sincere wish that the people of TT think not only of themselves but of others. Make the promise to become a regular voluntary blood donor this year.

As a healthcare worker, I witness, daily, patients being told their hospital stay must be prolonged due to the unavailability of blood. Too often, patients are turned down for elective operations until they have secured blood donors which, in some cases, can be quite expensive. It is most frustrating not being able to afford patients the medical care they deserve due to the lack of blood/blood products in our blood banks.

In a newspaper article dated May 21, 2012, Dr Kenneth Charles noted that 20,000 units were donated each year, which amounts to only half of the quota needed annually. It was also noted that 90 per cent of donated blood comes from emergency situations while only an alarming ten per cent came from voluntary donation. Blood donation is simple and does not require much from the donor.

Some facts about blood donation:

* Donors should be between the ages of 18 to 65, of good overall health and weigh at least 110 lbs.

* People with tattoos, body piercings or who have had trips to South America within the year, should wait at least one year before donating.

* Potential candidates can expect to be subjected to a brief screening process to ascertain their eligibility for donation.

* One unit of blood can save up to three (3) lives.

* Blood donation centres include:

1. National Blood Transfusion Service (160 Charlotte Street, Port of Spain)

2. Eric Williams Medical Science Complex

3. San Fernando General Hospital

4. Tobago Regional Hospital

5. Point Fortin Area Hospital

6. Sangre Grande Hospital

Let us strive toward being a society that is altruistic and selfless; one in which, the health of our family, friends and neighbours is regarded as a shared responsibility and priority. Let us strive toward achieving 100 per cent voluntary donation in blood banks and relinquish the archaic chit system, which is currently in effect. It is not in grand deeds of munificence but rather, the everyday acts of compassion that truly define us. Be a hero, become a voluntary blood donor today!

Dr Anusha Ramasray via e-mail