HUNDREDS of men and women are set to take part in one of the country’s biggest blood donation drives this week.
Though thousands of people are expected to volunteer for the annual Imam Hussain Campaign for Blood Donation, organisers have decided to limit the number of donors to 700 this year for logistical purposes.
Registration
Online registration for the initial 200 appointments was fully booked within four minutes yesterday, but donors can also show up at the Naim Youth Centre for walk-in appointments.
The drive is being organised by the Naim Charity Society in co-operation with the Health Ministry’s Blood Bank and will take place tomorrow and Monday.
The campaign is being held for the 21st consecutive year as part of activities to mark Ashoora, which commemorates the death anniversary of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Mohammed.
“More than 90 per cent of the blood bank’s database has been formed by us, and we also provide new donors to replace those leaving,” said organising committee president Dr Fadhel Al Nasheet.
“Ours is the oldest blood donation drive and also the largest blood donation drive organised by any group throughout the year.
“Nearly 2,500 people turn up on the two days, with blood being taken from almost 1,000 donors.
“After rejecting damaged or unfit blood, a total of 700 bags – 150 from women and 550 from men – will be handed over to the blood bank due to logistical reasons.
“Around 16,500 blood bags have been collected by the bank since we started, despite restricting donations to people aged 18 and above.
“However, we will accept O negative and AB blood groups even if the donors are aged below 18 and match the blood bank’s conditions.”
A total of 22 beds will be set up for the donation drive at the centre, with 250 volunteers present to help donors.
Women can donate blood at the Naim Youth Centre tomorrow from 4pm to 9pm, while men can donate on Monday from 1pm to 11pm.
“Leaders of religious communities of all faiths who have confirmed their attendance can show up at any time along with their congregation,” added Dr Al Nasheet.
Campaign
“Our donation campaign brings everyone together, regardless of their beliefs, under one roof.
“Even before we send out invitations we are bombarded with phone calls confirming their registration.”
Members of the Bahrain Society of Sickle Cell Anaemia Patient Care will also be present on the occasion to explain the importance of donating blood.
For further information, visit @IHBDC on Instagram and Twitter or IHBDC.Bahrain on Facebook.
Gifts and souvenirs will also be handed out to those registering and donating at the venue.
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