Donating Blood.
By Kandase
@Kandae11 (57233)
June 14, 2022 10:42am CST
Have you ever donated blood ? And were you ever the recipient of a blood transfusion?
Today, June 14 is is recognized annually as "World Blood Donations Day" . This year's theme is :"Donating Blood is an act of solidarity , join the effort and save lives".
The first Blood Bank was established in Leningrad in 1932, and the first in the United States was opened at Cook County Hospital in Chicago in 1937.
I wonder how hospitals managed before blood banks were established, especially in times of war and natural disasters when there is usually an overwhelming amount of patients needing blood transfusions.
I hope the Day is successful in promoting awareness.
Pixabay image.
17 people like this
18 responses
@DaddyEvil (174208)
• United States
14 Jun 22
I used to donate blood every time the blood mobile came to my city. After I was diagnosed with melanoma I wasn't allowed to donate anymore, even though the cancer was all surgically removed. *shrug*
Before blood banks were established, patients who needed blood called on their family and friends to share blood with them.
4 people like this
@DaddyEvil (174208)
• United States
14 Jun 22
@Kandae11 I was answering your question about what people did before blood banks were started. If your friends and family didn't have the correct blood type, then they would ask their friends until enough people were found to donate to you.
In my family, 9 of us had the same type of blood.
3 people like this
@Kandae11 (57233)
•
14 Jun 22
@DaddyEvil That's great.! Sometimes it is good to be part of a large family.
3 people like this
@Kandae11 (57233)
•
14 Jun 22
A mobile unit is very convenient. Here donors have to go to the various blood banks.
I am not sure but the different blood types would naturally be stored separately. And if l need a transfusion, what if my friend or family member does not have the same blood type as mine?
3 people like this
@LeaPea2417 (40020)
• Toccoa, Georgia
14 Jun 22
I donated blood right after 9/11 and was successful. Then around 7 years later I wanted to do it again and the nurse wouldn't let me. He sad I was too thin, my veins were too small, he could not find a vein easily. I was surprised and it hurt my feelings. I'm afraid to try again now.
2 people like this
@LeaPea2417 (40020)
• Toccoa, Georgia
14 Jun 22
@Kandae11 I am about the same in weight as then.
1 person likes this
@Kandae11 (57233)
•
14 Jun 22
@LeaPea2417. Then l suppose the answer will be the same, but don't feel bad about it. You made your contributions during a time when the need for blood donations would have been very high.
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (208746)
• United States
14 Jun 22
I have donated blood on many ocassions. They usually have some give away item too, which I like. However, I don't donate the blood to get those necessarily. It is a good thing to do.
1 person likes this
@averygirl72 (38847)
• Philippines
15 Jun 22
I haven't donated blood or receive blood transfusion. They say it's good for health because your body will produce new blood cells every time you donate. I have anemia so maybe I cannot donate
1 person likes this
@RebeccasFarm (91299)
• United States
15 Jun 22
I have never tried to donate blood Kandase.
1 person likes this
@RebeccasFarm (91299)
• United States
15 Jun 22
@Kandae11 They have a hard time to find my veins for draw too
1 person likes this
@aninditasen (18198)
• Raurkela, India
15 Jun 22
You are doing a noble job. I have neither donated blood nor did I ever need blood transfusion.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (59105)
•
14 Jun 22
My son has blood transfusions every few weeks, and iron infusions. We have to have blood, he has a condition that they cannot seem to find a solution for, and we have been to so many cities, so many specialists....I can't donate for him due to my own health problems. He has had several friends step up and donate a few times.
I can't tell you how much it means to a parent to know people care enough about others to donate blood. If you donate, or have, thank you so much.
1 person likes this
@Kandae11 (57233)
•
14 Jun 22
That is why these kind of National Days are important-- they raise awareness which is very important. Most of the time people are not aware or interested in things which they feel will not or things which do not affect them directly - hence these reminders.
We are all vulnerable, and anyone at anytime may find themselves in need of a blood transfusion. Just hang in there and think positive. Soon there will be a solution to your son's health issue - don't give up.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (59105)
•
14 Jun 22
@Kandae11
Oh, don't worry, this Mama will never, ever give up. It's not in me to do that. And yes, no one knows what the future holds for us or those we love. Give if and when you can, you are saving a life. I wish I could. I have to do my giving in other ways for now.
1 person likes this
@Marilynda1225 (91012)
• United States
14 Jun 22
I was recently watching a tv medical drama show and they were experiencing a shortage of blood. It was a real wake-up as to how much blood is needed.
I hope this day brings awareness for blood donations
1 person likes this
@Nakitakona (59987)
• Philippines
15 Jun 22
I think it's the Red Cross handles it.
1 person likes this
