Do you want to give the gift of life? Consider donating blood through a local blood bank or through the Japanese Red Cross Society.
World Blood Donor Day
June 14th is World Blood Donor Day! Every year countries around the world celebrate World Blood Donor Day (WBDD). The event serves to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products and to thank voluntary, unpaid blood donors for their life-saving gifts of blood.
A blood service that gives patients access to safe blood and blood products in sufficient quantity is a key component of an effective health system. The global theme of World Blood Donor Day changes each year in recognition of the selfless individuals who donate their blood to people unknown to them.
For more information, visit https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-blood-donor-day.
Why should you donate?
Blood transfusions can help treat a variety of diseases, like certain types of cancers or blood diseases. There is no way to make blood in an artificial way yet, so we must rely on people to give blood to help those in need. Due to a population decline, the number of younger blood donors has been decreasing in Japan. In addition to this problem, during the COVID-19 pandemic, blood donations dropped significantly, so there is a big need for more blood donations.
If you have the blood type 0- , your donation can also be used in emergency trauma situations.
Where can you donate?
In Japan, you can search for blood donation centers by clicking through the following link:
Blood Donation Centers(in Japanese)
https://www.jrc.or.jp/about/search/bloodroom/
Or, you can search for blood donation buses by clicking through the following link:
Blood Donation Bus (In Japanese)
https://www.jrc.or.jp/donation/bus/
What is the process of donation like?
It is always a good idea to eat and be properly hydrated before donating blood. The process usually takes about an hour or two. Generally, there is a health survey before you donate blood, and they go over the benefits and risks of donating blood. Some of the risks of donating blood include:
-bruising
-continued bleeding
-nausea
-pain
-physical weakness
In Japan, generally, 400mL of blood is collected. The donation itself takes about 5 minutes, depending on how hydrated you are. After you are finished with this, you will need to rest in the lobby for about 15 to 30 minutes and enjoy some snacks and refreshments.
Kenketsu-chan
The cute mascot for blood donation is called kenketsu-chan. She is a love fairy who has blood drops for her ears. Her favorite phrase is, “It only stings a little bit.”
Did you know about blood personality types in Japan?
Similar to star signs, there is a fun superstition about blood types in Japan.
A-type people are said to be organized and precise.
B-type people are said to be extroverted and easy-going.
AB-type people are said to be eccentric and curious.
O-type people are said to be optimistic.
What do you think about blood type personalities? Is it accurate for you? Tell us in the comments. (World Blood Donor Day)
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