World Blood Donor Day: Saving life, celebrating humanity

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Jun 14, 2024 00:09 AM

  

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Every year on June 14, the world observes World Blood Donor Day (WBDD) to promote the importance of blood donation. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the crucial role blood plays in saving lives and the immense value of blood donors. 

The World Blood Donor Day was established by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2004 to raise awareness about safe blood donation. 

This year, as it marks its 20th year, World Blood Donor Day will be observed with the theme, “20 years of celebrating giving: Thank you blood donors!” This celebration is an opportunity to express gratitude to those who selflessly contribute to this life-saving cause.

Blood donation has ancient roots, dating back to the 17th century. English physician Richard Lower reported the first successful blood transfusion among animals in 1665. To keep a dog alive, he transfused blood from other animals.

In 1667, Lower and French physician Jean Baptiste Denis reported successful blood transfusion from animal to human. In 1901, Karl Landsteiner, an American-Austrian immunologist, identified the A, B, and O blood groups. His work revolutionized blood transfusion safety and earned him the Nobel Prize in 1930.

While blood is an essential lifeline, there is a dearth of donors that makes transfusion a challenge in times of emergency.

Many countries still rely on paid donors or family members for blood. Therefore, encouraging voluntary, unpaid blood donation is crucial.

Blood donors play a vital role in helping those in need. Their contributions impact patients’ lives, making blood donation a lifeline for countless individuals.

This is why celebrating World Blood Donor Day is imperative as it aims to create public awareness and builds a culture of voluntary blood donation.

Thanking blood donors and motivating them to donate regularly help ensure a steady supply of safe blood for emergencies, surgeries, and medical treatments.

Donating blood isn’t just impactful for recipients; it benefits donors, too. Regular blood donation helps maintain donors’ health, including reducing chances of heart diseases and the role it plays in burning calories.

Now, start donating blood to save lives.

According to WHO, one is qualified to donate blood if he or she is 18 to 65 years old and in good health condition, weighs at least 50 kg, passes initial blood sampling screening, and is well rested and hydrated.

Those who do not qualify are persons who had been tested positive for HIV, hepatitis, and other infectious diseases; have a cold or flu or any other kind of infection; have low or high blood pressure; illegal drug user or are under the influence of drugs/alcohol; one who recently underwent a minor dental procedure; had a tattoo done within the last six months, among others. 

So, let’s honor blood donors, continue promoting safe blood donation worldwide, and observe World Blood Donor Day — a celebration of compassion, humanity, and a remarkable gift of life.

Cayetanos deliver aid to Lumban, Laguna communities

 

PRESS RELEASE

June 13, 2024

“Kung mayroon pong mga turista, mayroon po kaming pinagtitindahan. Pero kapag wala po, wala rin pong tinda. Kaya napakalaking tulong po nitong tulong nila Senator Alan at Senator Pia Cayetano dahil magagamit ko ito para sa pang-tuition fee ng aking anak.”

These were the heartfelt words of Reysie delos Reyes Cacalda, an espasol vendor from Lumban, Laguna as she expressed gratitude for the assistance from the sibling senators which will significantly contribute to a higher cause—funding her child’s education.

“Makakapagpa-graduate na po ako ng aking anak na [may kursong] Civil Engineering,” she added joyfully.

Cavalda was one of the 1,000 beneficiaries from the partnership between the senators and the Department of Social Welfare and Development's (DSWD) Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program. This partnership brought support to the Municipality of Lumban in the Province of Laguna.

On June 11, 2024, the senators’ offices reached out to community workers, women, and small business owners in Lumban to provide assistance for their needs.

The distribution was organized in coordination with Lumban Vice Mayor Belen Raga, who expressed her gratitude to the senators on behalf of the beneficiaries.

“Ako po ay lubos na nagpapasalamat sa tulong na dinala nila sa bayan ng Lumban. Sobrang blessing po ito para sa aming bayan at nawa po ay ibalik ito ng siksik, liglig ni Lord sa inyo,” she said.

The activity also featured a Medical Assistance Desk to help individuals with medical expenses, covering hospital bills, medications, laboratory tests, and other diagnostic procedures.

These initiatives are part of the Cayetanos’ ongoing efforts to support marginalized communities across the country. While the Senate is on a session break, their offices remain active, visiting various areas to bring aid closer to those in need.

They closely collaborate with government agencies and local units to ensure that Filipinos receive the necessary assistance. ###bansa sa isa't isa, lalo na sa mga panahon ng pangangailangan.

Whatever the problems are, [such as] economics, transportation, [and] the pandemic, we find a way to be relevant to each other,” wika niya.

“When you need us, we will be there for you, and when we need you, you’re always there for us,” dagdag niya.

Sa pagtatapos ng kanyang talumpati, pinasalamatan ni Cayetano si Paul Chan Mo-po, ang Financial Secretary ng Hong Kong, at nanawagan ng patuloy na pakikipagtulungan upang mapanatili ang matatag na relasyon ng dalawang rehiyon.

“Thank you for the hospitality and the kindness you’re showing the Filipino people,” wika niya.

“As you celebrate with us, you know the world is changing quite fast, but as long as we continue to be reliable, we continue to be relevant, and we continue to be resilient members of one family, we will continue our record,” dagdag niya. ###