Transcription
Every second of the day, someone in the world needs a blood transfusion to survive. It is important to count on volunteers that practice the value of solidarity and are able to donate safe blood.
Life is in the blood
Donating blood is very simple, you can do it!
What is blood?
Blood is a fluid tissue that circulates through the body, it takes cells the oxygen and nutrients they need to function properly. Blood also collects waste products, carries hormones, regulates body temperature, and contains our immune system. Our body organs function because of the blood that flows through our arteries, veins and capillaries. Even with the latest technology, blood cannot be produced artificially yet; it can only be obtained through the generosity of volunteers.
What is a voluntary blood donation?
It is a voluntary act of solidarity in which we freely decide to donate a small amount of our blood to give hope to others.
The decision to donate blood can save up to 4 lives.
Hemocomponents can be obtained through this valuable fluid tissue, giving each patient what their body needs:
White Blood Cells or Leukocytes
Platelets
Plasma
Red Blood Cells
During the process of donation, 450 milliliters of blood are drawn, which is 10% of your body’s total blood. The donation itself usually takes about 10 minutes; it is a quick and painless gesture.
10% of your blood plus 10 minutes of your time saves 4 lives.
Reasons to be a blood donor:
- 8 out of 10 people will need some kind of blood transfusion in their lifetime
- One day, your loved ones may need a blood transfusion too
- Donating means health
- It can reduce the risk of heart attack
- Blood cells are renewed
- It improves the oxygenation of organs and tissues
- Donated blood also undergoes several analyses, if any abnormality is detected, the donor is immediately informed; it is like a guarantee of healthy blood.
- Donating blood is quick and safe.
Life is in the Blood.
With one donation, you can give up to 4 people the opportunity to continue living
Requirements to donate blood:
You must be between the ages of 18 and 65, weigh at least 110 lbs / 50 kg, be in generally good physical health, and not be fasting
Who cannot donate blood?
- Pregnant women
- Those who had hepatitis after age 11.
- Those who have consumed intravenous drugs.
- Those who have had a tattoo or piercing done in the past 12 months.
- Those who have or are at risk for a sexually transmitted disease such as HIV or Syphilis.
- Those who have anemia.
- Those whose sexual activity is unprotected or puts them at risk of contracting diseases.
The blood donation process is easy!
Registration:
You must register your name and provide a form of identification.
Questionnaire:
You will also be required to answer a questionnaire about your basic health information.
Medical Interview:
A staff member will ask you questions about your health history, in order to identify donor and patient risk factors.
Physical:
You will have your temperature, iron level, blood pressure, and pulse checked for your health and well-being.
Donation: Blood is drawn with sterile disposable supplies which are only used once.
After donating:
- It is recommended that you have a refreshment, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid strenuous activities, smoking, and drinking alcohol for some hours.
Thanks to voluntary blood donors, everyday lives are saved and thousands of people better lives.
Donated blood is also used to help cancer and leukemia patients, accident victims, burned and anemic patients, and people who will undergo complicated medical procedures and organ transplants.
You can be a blood donor too!
"Life is in the Blood. Donating the Sap of Life"