The purpose of World Blood Donor Day, commemorated this Monday, is to raise awareness around the world of the need for safe blood and blood products for transfusion and to recognize the important contribution that blood donors make.
"Blood and its products, as well as its transfusion, are a fundamental aspect of medical care, saving thousands of lives and improving the health and quality of life of many patients every day," said the head of the Commission for Protection Against Sanitary Risks of Jalisco (Coprisjal), Denis Santiago Hernández, in a virtual ceremony.
The commissioner said the challenge is to reduce the shortage of blood, "ensuring that all people who need safe blood can access it is a priority for Jalisco's institutions."
Patricia Araceli de la Mora López, director of the Sanguínea State Transfusion Center (CETS) said “talking about donation is talking about solidarity of those of us who are healthy with sick people, as we have witnessed over time and without a number of technological advances, however, blood continues to be an indispensable and irreplaceable product that cannot yet be manufactured.”
He also indicated that the need for blood is universal, but the access of all those who need it is not. Having available blood can only be achieved through donation and constitutes a generous act, aiding those who suffer from a disease or require blood or its derivatives after an accident.
“In 2020 the world unexpectedly faced an invisible enemy. The COVID-19 pandemic led us to modify and adapt to new security measures, mobility restrictions, and other restrictions, however, blood donors continued to donate blood and platelets, which highlights once again the importance of altruistic and voluntary donors, in order to have safe and sufficient blood both in times of normality and in emergencies,” mentioned the expert.
Volunteer Blood Donor Testimonials
Paula Renata Martínez Jiménez, a volunteer blood donor, said that the importance of being a donor of the vital liquid is because no one thinks about people who are alone, who do not have friends and relatives who can help them and can donate for them. Today it is for those people, but tomorrow it may be for our friends or family or for ourselves.
Ramón Román Pérez, a volunteer donor, mentioned being convinced that every time blood is donated a seed is put into the hearts of the people who receive the contribution. “For me and my family, we believe that helping always leaves something good in those who receive help, which is the example to achieve a more empathetic society.”
"Thanks to young people like you for being donors, which means that they are very sensitive to this need that humanity has in the world" concluded Commissioner Denis Santiago Hernández.
In the virtual commemoration of the World Voluntary Blood Donor Day, the Head of the Blood Bank of the Old Civil Hospital of Guadalajara, Esperanza Elizabeth Zuno Reyes and the Head of the Blood Bank of the New Civil Hospital of Guadalajara, Viridiana Valdez Toral, were as special guests.
During the virtual event recognition was given for being voluntary blood donors to:
Myrta Fabiola Díaz Castro
Ramón Román Pérez
Paula Renata Martínez Jiménez
Uriel Emilio Pérez Gallegos
Alejandra Teresita Valencia Zamora
Jorge Alberto Ávalos Jacinto
Where to Donate Blood Locally
To donate please go to the Puerto Vallarta Blood Bank, located on the 2nd floor at Hospital La Joya, across from where the cruise ships dock. The Blood Bank is open from 8 am to 3 pm Monday through Saturday.
General donation requirements for this hospital:
- You must be at least 18 years of age and no more than 65, and in good health.
- You must fast 4 hours minimum beforehand, and 8 hours max.
- You must weigh more than 50 kg.
- Not having ingested alcohol over the last 48 hours.
- Not having hepatitis, dengue, or any viral or sexually transmitted disease.
- Not been vaccinated in the last month.
- Not having any tattoos in the last 5 years.
- Not having any piercings in the last year.
- Not being on drugs or medication.
- Not having had any high-risk sexual practice.
- Not being pregnant, menstruating and/or nursing.
- Not having had any surgical procedures in the last year.
- Never having received any transfusion.
Benefits:
- As a commitment and a thank you token to our altruistic donors, the blood bank issues a good health medical certificate including a physical medical check-up and lab tests.
- If you are an altruistic donor and need any transfusion you are entitled to one unit of blood on your behalf, for every unit you donate.
- Certified Quality, ISO 9001-2008.
- This hospital has certified blood available for any emergency.
In Jalisco from January to December 2020 in the CETS, 18,634 donors were registered, of which only 9,920 were eligible.
From January 1 to May 31, 2021 in the CETS, 8,777 donors have been registered, of which only 4,206 were eligible to donate blood.
9 out of 10 people will require a transfusion at some point in their life.
Worldwide, 112.5 million units of blood are drawn per year.
You can contact the Puerto Vallarta Blood Bank at 322 293 1500, or email them at:
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