Be a lifesaver: Donate blood

Accidents never come with a warning. It can happen at any place, any time with anyone. And not just accidents - emergency situations when you might badly need a bag of blood for your near and dear ones are aplenty. 

Many people think that donating blood can be harmful for them and they have certain reservations about blood donation. The fear and discomfort has a lot to do with a lack of knowledge. But donating blood is a very safe and simple procedure and it takes only 10-15 minutes to complete the process. Any healthy adult aged between 18- 60 and weighing at least 50 kg is eligible to donate blood. 
In conversation with active blood donor Faisal, who is a university studen, het says, "Donating blood can give you the fulfillment of knowing that you have helped to save someone's life. I have been a regular blood donor from the age of 20 and I continue to do so today. I have seen how desperate and distressed people can get when trying to manage blood for their near and dear ones and that inspires me to be a voluntary blood donor".

For emergency situations you definitely need to know the locations of blood banks or get connected to active donors.

Quantam Blood Bank: It is one of the most well known blood banks in town and they can be contacted at any time. Whether you want to donate blood regularly, or are in need of a bag, Quantum is the place to check first. To contact, call: 9351969, 01714010869 or email: info@quantummethod.org.bd . Their address is 1/1 Pioneer Road (Ground Floor), Segunbagicha, Kakrail, Dhaka. 

Shandhani (BMC): Shandhani has units in different areas and divisions of Bangladesh. In Dhaka they are located at BMC Unit, House 34, Road 14/A (New) Dhanmondi R/A, Dhaka 1209. Their phone number is 9124619 (BMCH), 01716858723.

Bangladesh Red Crescent Blood Bank: Bangladesh Red Crescent blood bank has been doing donation drives for decades. Their office is located at 7/5 Aurangzeb Road, Mohammadpur, Dhaka, Bangladesh.  They can also be contacted at 9116563, 8121497. 

Bandhan: Bandhan is a voluntary blood donation organisation based in TSC, Dhaka University that provides blood in emergency situations with the help of their network of students. Their head office is located on the ground floor of TSC and they can be emailed at central@bandhan.org.

They can also be reached at 8629042, 01711025876, 01720080012, 01917264615, 01912082919 (BUET), 01712180246 (Jahangirnagar University).

Motivational campaigns and donation drives take place in many universities to encourage young people to donate blood. Those interested in donating can contact blood_donor@emedicalpoint.com or register as a blood donor on the website www.rokto.com.

World Blood Donor Day (WBDD), observed annually on June 14th, takes the opportunity to promote the culture of donating blood. The joy of saving a human life is such a wonderful feeling. Come forward to save lives and be a voluntary blood donor.