Your blood can save 3 lives, so donate today

Dubai - The campaign will continue for 3 days in all sub-units in the northern emirates, open every day from 8am to 8pm.

The Sharjah Blood Transfusion and Research Centre of the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) will hold a blood donation campaign from November 30 to December 3, as part of its activities for UAE Martyrs' Day and National Day.
Dr Hussein Abdel-Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary of MOHAP's Assistant Sector - Health Centres and Clinics, said that the campaign is also a part of its ongoing initiative to strengthen its blood transfusion services in accordance with best practices.
Blood banks and transfusion facilities are part of the federal health authority's strategic objective to provide quality healthcare services to the local community.
Dr Al Rand said that UAE citizens and residents are the finest examples of selfless giving through blood donation, saving the lives of people who direly need transfusions - such as thalassemia patients, those who need open-heart surgery, or who suffer from acute bleeding in trauma cases. He added that the ministry strives to ensure the constant availability of blood to meet patients' needs in government and private hospitals, and that campaigns raise awareness on corporate social responsibility.
Citizens and residents are urged to participate in blood donations both at the main health centre in Sharjah or at blood bank sub-units in the northern emirates. The campaign will continue for 3 days in all sub-units in the northern emirates, open every day from 8am to 8pm.
Mona Sulaiman Al Ali, managing director of the Sharjah Blood Transfusion and Research Centre, highlighted the facility's readiness for blood donation activities. Aside from upholding the spirit of giving and responsibility, donating blood also has a positive impact on donors' health.
Volunteers of both genders aged 18 to 65 years are qualified to give blood if they are in good health. The amount of blood withdrawn ranges from 350 to 450 ml, a quantity that can save the lives of three patients.
Blood donation is a year-long activity at the Sharjah centre, and can be done either through regular appointments or during campaigns held at the centre and sub-unit blood banks or via mobile buses.
asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com