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Every three seconds, someone needs blood

ABU DHABI - Approximately every three seconds, someone needs blood, and by donating one unit of blood, a donor can help save the lives of up to three people, according to experts at Shaikh Khalifa Medical Complex (SKMC).

In cooperation with Abu Dhabi Health Services Company – SEHA, SKMC managed by Cleveland Clinic, will be participating in 'World Blood Donor Day 2008'. The international health awareness event is celebrated annually on June 14 will be hosted by the UAE this year.

"It is an honour for the UAE to be the first country in the Arab world and the fifth worldwide to host the World Blood Donor Day. On this day, we would like to invite all countries to encourage blood donations which contribute in saving lives," said Saif Al Qubaisi, Managing Director of SEHA.

Under the theme "Giving blood regularly", this year's celebration aims to support national blood donor programmes in building a stable base of voluntary unpaid donors who make a long-term commitment to blood donation.

To mark the occasion, the Abu Dhabi Blood Bank (ADBB) will set up a health awareness booth at the Marina Mall on June 14, from 4 pm till 10 pm. The medical staff at the educational booth will perform free tests for haemoglobin, blood pressure, and blood type.

In addition, throughout the month of June, the ADBB will be launching a blood donation campaign in different areas of the city scheduled as follows: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Embassy -15 June; Police general headquarters - 16 June; Ministry of interior License Department - 17 June; Etisalat - 18 June; Etisalat -19 June; Star Security Services - 22 June; and Emirates palace 23-25 June.

The ADBB requires that a donor is in good physical condition and overall good health (a basic physical is given to check blood pressure, weight, temperature and haemoglobin), is at least eighteen years old, weighs at least 50kg, and completes a health questionnaire.