AD Blood Bank to participate in "World Blood Donor Day"

ABU DHABI, 13 June, 05 (WAM) - The Abu Dhabi Blood Bank, whichoperates under the direction of the Sheikh Khalifa Medical Cityand the General Authority for Health Services for the Emirateof Abu Dhabi (GAHS), is participating this year in "World BloodDonor Day" on Tunesday.

This year's theme for World Blood Donor Day 2005 is "Thank Youfor the Gift of Life" in honor of those that donate blood. Morethan 15,000 blood donors give blood each year at the Abu DhabiBlood Bank. UAE Nationals which represent 28% of all donatorsare the largest number of donators among the many different nationalitiesthat give blood each year. The Blood Bank provides blood supplycovering the needs of governmental and private hospitals in AbuDhabi and provides support to the other Emirates. Blood transfusionsoften are needed for trauma victims due to accidents and burns,heart surgery, organ transplants, and patients receiving treatmentfor leukemia, cancer or other diseases, such as sickle cell diseaseand Thalassemia, according to a press release.

This year the Abu DhabiBlood Bank in celebration of World Blood Donor Day 2005will holdthe following activities: " A Health Awareness Booth with educationalmaterials and gifts at the Abu Dhabi Mall on the 3rd floor onJune 14th and 15th.

The booth will be open from 10:00am-10:00pm. The medical staffwill perform tests for the hemoglobin, blood pressure and bloodtype. (Sponsored by the Abu Dhabi Mall) " A Mobile Blood Bank-Donation Drive (Bus) at the Abu Dhabi Mall entrance for thoseinterested in donating blood on June 14th and June 15th, timingsare from 8:30am to 1:00pm and 5:30pm -10:00pm. The blood collectionprocess takes approximately 10-20 minutes. The entire processfrom the time your register and begin the screening until youleave will take approximately 45 minutes to an hour.

" Educational brochures, leaflets and posters distributed toorganizations and at the Abu Dhabi Blood Bank Building.

" A sms encouraging people to donate blood will be sent to morethan 150,000 Etisalat subscribers. (Sponsored by the EtisalatCorporation, as part of its service to the community, in supportof SKMC in the celebrations for World Blood Donor Day 2005) Dr.

Naima Oumeziane, Acting Clinical Director of the Abu Dhabi BloodBank, stated that this year we not only want to raise the awarenessof donating blood and its importance, but on this occasion wewant to thank the donators who gave blood recently and in previousyears. Our volunteers provide nearly all the nation's blood supplyfor transfusion. There is no substitute for Human Blood and onBehalf of the Abu Dhabi Blood Bank we want to thank all our donorsfor giving the gift of life. If all eligible donors give bloodtwice a year, it would greatly help in maintaining an adequateblood supply for the country. Eligible blood donors can donateblood 3-4 times a year safely.

Clyde Eder, CEO of the Sheikh Khalifa Medical Center praisedthe efforts of the Abu Dhabi Blood Bank for organizing the event.

safety.

It is not possible to acquire any disease through donatingblood because only new, disposable, sterilized equipment is usedfor each donor, the statement said.