Bleeding for a good cause

KUCHING: One unit of blood,  approximately 450 millilitres (ml), can save three lives. This demonstrates the high value of blood donated by a single individual.

Although the benefits of blood donation have been widely publicised, many people are still hesitant to give their blood due to the fear of pain from the injection or the fear of fainting due to blood loss.

Not only is there a stigma that donating blood is self-damaging but there are also myths that further fuel fear among the public, such as claiming that the needles used are long and large.

Isaac

For Isaac Patrick Belly, 22, the desire to overcome his fear and donate blood arose when his employer organised a mobile blood donation session at his workplace, Ken’s Kitchen.

“I definitely felt apprehensive  but after I finished donating blood, I realised that I didn’t feel any pain at all. In fact, I didn’t even realise it when the session was over until the nurse informed me, showing me  the blood bag,” he said.

“The whole process  took less  than 10 minutes,” he added.

Isaac’s first-time experience as a blood donor opened his eyes to the misconception that being injected with a needle during blood donation was painful.

“Before I was injected, my arm was numbed first  so I didn’t feel any pain when I was injected,” he explained.

Urania

“I am a frequent donor, having been involved in blood donations for many years. This is the third time I’m donating my blood this year,” said Urania Joy Goh Sze Hui, 38.   

“I want to contribute to a safe and secure life for others,” she said.

According to Urania, she has donated blood 40 times including today.

Meanwhile, for Nor Fadina Yusuf, 34,

who has donated blood 11 times since 2008,   helping others is a source of satisfaction.

Fadina

 I’ve met blood donors who have made 50 blood donations. I want to challenge myself to reach that number as long as my health allows,” she said.

“Many people are unaware of the privileges offered by the government to blood donors, such as free healthcare treatment. In addition, if they are admitted to the hospital, they are eligible for a free second-class ward.

“Furthermore, if they have donated blood 50 times and above, they can enjoy a free first-class ward for two years and a free second-class ward for life,” she revealed.

Aware of the new blood donation method called apheresis, Fadina also expressed her interest in trying this method due to her more frequent blood donation routine, which is every two weeks, compared to the regular method, which can only be done once every three months.