World Blood Donor Day: giving blood is giving life
The committed donor said donating blood is his way of giving back.
IT was a group of friends that encouraged him to start donating blood way back in 1981.
Looking back, John Parkin said he had no idea that it would become part of his lifestyle.
This World Blood Donor Day (June 14), he encourages all to support SANBS by becoming a blood donor. This year’s theme is ‘give blood, give plasma, share life, share often’.
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“I started donating blood when I was 26 years old. I was working at Durban City Engineers, and there was a blood drive, and I was encouraged to donate blood,” he said.
He is now in the centenary milestone donation category with a total of 118 donations to his name.
The Glen Hills resident, who is a civil engineer by trade, said he was a bit apprehensive at first, but that soon faded after the necessary checks were done.
He has donated blood in Durban Central, Field and in Durban North SANBS branches.
“I had to stop donating due to an injury when I was 39. That soon turned into an eight-year break from donating as I got out of the habit, but one day, I started again, and I kept at it,” said Parkin.
“Another thought that crosses my mind is, what if I one day need blood. I feel better knowing that I am participating in a cause that I could one day need to use,” he added.
He said there was nothing to be afraid of and that the ‘worst’ part of donating blood was the tiny prick on your finger to check your iron.
“If you’re scared of needles, don’t look at it. The staff at Durban North are very good at their jobs and will make you feel comfortable,” he added.
“Donating one pint of blood means that you could potentially save three lives, and I encourage every one to become a donor if they meet the requirements,” said Parkin.
He plans on donating for as long as his health allows it.
Who can donate?
• If you are between the ages of 16 and 75 years old, for first time donors
• You weigh a minimum of 50 kgs (and platelets, a minimum of 55 kgs)
• You are in good health
• You lead a low-risk lifestyle
• You consider your blood safe for transfusion.
• You have had a balanced meal within four hours of donating blood.
• You have not donated blood in the last 56 days (and platelets in the last 14 days)
• Your pulse is between 60-100 regular beats per minute.
• Your blood pressure is below 180 systolic (first number) and below 100 diastolic (second number) (180/100mmHg) and above 100 systolic (first number) and above 60 diastolic (second number) (100/60mmHg).
• Your haemoglobin level is 12.g for females and 13.g for males/dL or above.
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