Annual Blood Drive – SRI LANKA ASSOCIATIONS

Annual
Blood Drive

ANNUAL BLOOD DONATION CAMP

ANNUAL BLOOD DONATION CAMP It takes 1 blood donation every 8 seconds to
meet the ongoing needs of patients across the country. Yet only 1 in 30 people
donate blood, while 1 in 3 of us are likely to need blood in our lifetime. With only 3%
of our national population being responsible for supplying 1.3 million blood donations
every year, you can see why new donors are needed. We are inviting and
encouraging all eligible members to register with us to donate blood.

Learn how blood donation makes a genuine difference

What it means to give blood

Giving blood has got to be one of the most rewarding things you can do to help another person — there’s no other feeling like it.

Donated blood can be used in many life-giving ways. The person receiving it could have cancer, be going through a difficult pregnancy, or they could be someone who relies on regular transfusions to live a healthy, happy life — or even to live.

What happens on the day?

Don’t worry, you’re in safe hands.

But so you know what to expect, here’s a walk-through of what’s involved:

1. When you arrive, you’ll need to complete our Donor Questionnaire. It’s totally confidential and designed to protect you and the person who receives your blood.

2. Before we get going, you’ll be asked to have two more glasses of water and we’ll give you some information on easy muscle tensing exercises that can help stop you feeling faint during your donation.

3. You’ll then have a private, confidential interview with a trained staff member and we’ll check your haemoglobin level (a protein that carries oxygen around your body and contains iron) and take your blood pressure. If it’s your first time donating, we’ll also ask
for your height and weight. Safety is our top priority, so these health checks are for everyone.

4. You’ll be with us for about an hour, but the actual giving process takes just 15 minutes (sometimes less!). Our team will be on hand to help the whole way through, so if you’re feeling unwell or uncomfortable, let someone know straight away.

Straight after you donate

You’ll have done something genuinely life-saving and we hope you’ll be feeling great about it. However, it’s really important to relax, refresh and follow our advice.

Rest in the chair for five minutes and, when you’re ready, sit up with your legs dangling over the edge. 
Take a seat in our refreshment area. It’s important to rehydrate and have something to eat, so help yourself to a cool drink and a savoury snack.
You’ll need to stay at the donor centre for at least 20 minutes (even if you feel fine). It’s a great time catch up on some reading, listen to music, or make the most of our free Wi-Fi.

EMPOWERING SRI LANKAN COMMUNITY

Becoming a part of the Association means joining a network of members who share similar experiences, values and backgrounds. Our community events and activities are designed to bring people together, celebrate our rich cultural heritage, and provide ongoing support for all members.