‘Blood connects us all’

By Sarafina Sanerivi 16 June 2016, 12:00AM

Donating blood can save a life.

With that thought in mind, members of the public lined up at the ANZ Bank on Tuesday to donate blood as part of the local commemoration of the World Blood Donor Day (W.B.D.D). 

The blood drive was organised by the ANZ Bank with the help of Samoa Red Cross Society and the National Health Services.

The event was guided by the theme “Blood connects us all.”

Brenda Koon-Wai-You, of the Samoa Red Cross Society, said the turnout was great.

 “A lot of people turned up today willing to donate blood,” she said. 

“Some of them weren’t able to do so because they couldn’t meet the criteria’s required for donors. 

“Most of those who showed up for the blood drive are the regular donors that have donated blood over the years. Many of them were new donors as well which proves that more and more people are aware of the importance of this initiative.”

The W.B.D.D was not only celebrated in Apia.

The same activity was held in Savai’i.

“This is a very important event,” said Ms. Koon Wai You.

“Many people suffer from the loss of blood and the blood donated today may save more than two lives tomorrow. And we are very grateful to the people who came in today and donated blood. 

“I am also grateful to the people who showed up but weren’t able to donate. It’s the thought that counts.”

Iherena Ulumani, a medical lab technician from the National Health Service said there has been a lot of improvement in the process of the blood drive over the years. 

“More and more people are now aware of how this process is done,” she said. 

“Over the years, the number of donors keeps increasing as well. This shows that people have come to realise how important this is. 

“And the good thing about this is they willingly offer to donate without anyone forcing them to do so. They are here on their own free will and that shows that they want to help others for free.”

In March, the ANZ Bank also hosted a blood drive in collaboration with the Samoa Red Cross and the National Health Service. 

That helped create awareness for this week’s event.

 “No one knows what will happen tomorrow,” Iherena Ulumani said. “Donating blood is no different from investing money for the future. You never know what will happen. Who knows maybe the blood you donate today will save the lives of your loved ones, or yourself in the future?

“We’ve had a number of foreigners coming in as well wanting to donate blood, and we are grateful to them for having the heart for our people.”

By Sarafina Sanerivi 16 June 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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