Every minute, somewhere in Canada, someone needs blood. Most Canadians can name someone that has received a blood donation or a blood product donation. There are many reasons to need blood, and receiving a donation at the right time can save a life. Medical operations, cancer treatments, surgery and transplants all require between 1 and 100 units of blood (a unit of blood is equivalent to one donation).
Throughout Canada over 2000 units of blood are used every day. Cancer patients undergoing regular treatment need up to eight units of blood per week. With an estimated 173,800 new cases of cancer and 76,200 deaths in Canada in 2010, it is safe to say that donors play an integral role in the care of people with cancer. There is a good chance that most of the current generation of students will be faced with cancer at some point in their lives. By donating blood, a positive impact can be made on the countless people faced with cancer.
Blood is carried in all parts of your body. Like electrons are essential for circuits, particles for controlling chemical reactions and forces for ruling the world of mechanics, without the different components of your blood, your body cannot function. Imagine a university building without hallways. Red blood cells are needed to convey oxygen to the brain and remove carbon dioxide through the lungs. In order to protect the body from illnesses, your body uses white blood cells (however, these are often removed from donations to prevent your blood from infecting the receiver). Platelets aid in clotting so that you can recover from your injuries and plasma brings nutrients to your tissues and removes waste through the lungs, liver and kidneys.
Becoming a blood donor is relatively simple. If you’re between the ages of 17 and 71, and at least 110 lbs, you basically qualify. Overall, you must be in general good health. If you have had dental treatment, you must wait up to 72 hours or until full recovery. You must also be fully recovered from any colds, sore throats or the flu. If you have had an ear or body piercing, or a tattoo, you must wait a minimum of six months.
Each blood donation made can save up to three lives. That basically makes you a superhero. Blood donation rates among university-aged eligible donors are disappointingly low; most donors are in the 55+ range. It’s time for Canada’s youth to step up. A speaker will be present at the next EngSoc meeting to on June 8th to address how lives have been impacted by blood donations. Educational resources will be available in the Engineering Society Office so that students can get informed about eligibility requirements and the donation process.
This summer, a new initiative has been started to encourage students to donate their blood for the cause. The Summer Inter-faculty Blood Drive will last 56 days from June 1st to July 26th. Any donations made during this period will go to your faculty in a university-wide competition to see which faculties will rise to the challenge. The Canadian Blood Services clinic in Waterloo (at Weber and Bridgeport) will be offering individual or group bookings. The clinic is accessible by public transit and, for a minimum of three people, you can enjoy a free shuttle to and from the clinic all throughout June. If you miss this opportunity, the on-campus blood donor clinics are scheduled for July 8th, 25th and 26th. This is your way to save lives, support cancer and dialysis patients, and prove that Engineering is the best faculty at Waterloo!If you need more information, you can sign up for appointments over the phone (1-888-2-DONATE), online, or in person at the Student Life Center (SLC) the week before the clinic. Students involved with promoting blood donations this summer are also eligible for a $1000 award offered by the bursary program of the Canadian Blood Services. All inquiries about the project can also be sent to am3stewa@gmail.com.You are now smarter than The Fray, in that you know how to save a life. Consider donating today!
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