Damascus University Blood Center commemorated World Blood Donor Day, held on June 14th every year, launching a four-day national blood drive in cooperation with Red Crescent of Syria.
Director of the Center Dr. Alya al-Assad noted that “the annual organization of a blood drive with Red Crescent is an expression of gratitude to those who donate blood to save the lives of others. It’s a national day with a humanitarian goal in which we strive to spread a culture of blood donation among citizens and to develop a sense of social responsibility from all parts of society for purely humanitarian aims.” Blood donation campaigns are not limited to today; in fact the Center conducts a number of campaigns throughout the year with the cooperation of associations and charities aiming to develop a sense of social duty and volunteerism in citizens. Dr. al-Assad expects that this campaign, like those before it, will be highly successful as the first day of this humanitarian effort was largely attended. The number of volunteers reached 185 and Dr. al-Assad hopes it will increase over the next three days. She pointed out that the Center follows standard medical procedures before drawing blood, including blood cell, hemoglobin, and platelet counts, pressure, weight, and hematocrit measurements, blood type analysis, and other medical tests. The age of donors is limited to between 18 and 60, and upon the discovery of any disease, the donor is exempt and given a certificate of exemption.
The director of the Center reported that the center welcomes an average of 120 donors a day ordinarily, adding that blood donation is in the interest of citizens because donated blood may come back to them or their families in one way or another and that the extent to which the Center can provide blood for those in need depends on the extent to which donors contribute. Dr. al-Assad called for the raising citizen’s awareness on the issue of blood donation, explaining that blood donation does not endanger the life of the donor because of the body’s ability to replenish liquids within twenty-four hours and red blood cells within a period of three weeks after the donation. She also mentioned that the center runs free plasmapheresis, or plasma separation therapy, and that since the beginning of this year, over 284 plasmapheresis treatments have been conducted for more than fifty patients. Lu’ey al-Shami, one of the Red Crescent volunteers noted that the Damascus University Blood Center’s 8th blood drive is the result of cooperation, facilities, and professional services provided by the Center, pointing out Red Crescent’s eagerness to participate in all events and programs organized by the Center as a means of coordinating efforts for blood donation to support the blood supply.
Donor Salma Snaan, age 22, said she always donates, particularly because of her rare O blood type, and that donating is an honor for her to serve those in need of blood because of specific health conditions.
