Grenada joins in on the observance of World Blood Donors’ Day today, with the theme for the occasion, “Give Blood, Give Plasma, Share Life, Share Often.”
It’s an annual observance designated by the World Health Assembly in 2005, and taken into account by countries around the world on this day every year.
World Blood Donor Day serves to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products and to thank voluntary, unpaid blood donors for their life-saving gifts of blood.
A blood service that gives patients access to safe blood and blood products in sufficient quantity is regarded as a key component of an effective health system.
Head of the World Health Organization, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus of Ethiopia describes blood donors as “heros”
Here in Grenada, several people are known to be regular contributors of the Blood Bank, which is recognized as a “humanitarian” gesture.
One blood donor, Hayden Redhead, views every single donation as a precious life-saving gift and today the observance of World Blood Donors Day is all-the-more relevant.
Mr. Redhead provides us with a detailed account about the process of giving blood.
He stated that he actually had no thoughts that he would have been a blood donor and now cherishes the moment he began to give blood.
Mr. Redhead says he’s been pleased to hear many testimonials about the life-saving value of donating blood.
Mr. Redhead drives away the fear that people may have of the blood donation procedure, especially with the adage that men are afraid of needles.
He says the members of staff at the Blood Unit are comforting.
He did indicate, though, that repeat donation is the key to building a safe and sustainable blood supply.
