RED ARMBAND FOR WORLD BLOOD DONOR DAY
The New Zealand Blood Service is giving this Monday's inaugural World Blood Donor Day a shot in the arm by creating an
icon it hopes will become a global hit.
Red, pink and yellow ribbons have been used globally to support worthy causes in recent years. Now, a red armband will
be trialled in New Zealand with a view to having the innovative device picked up worldwide in the future.
The red armband device has been developed because the colour signifies life-giving blood and is worn on the arm where
donor blood comes from.
New Zealand Blood Service marketing manager Paul Hayes says the red armband will be used for promotional purposes for
June 14's event, but its role should be expanded in subsequent years.
"We're confident this bit of Kiwi ingenuity will become an appropriate symbol of blood donation," Mr Hayes said. "Our
armband leaves you in no doubt what it signifies."
In wearing the red armband you are giving thanks to the 4% of New Zealand's adult population who currently donate blood
for the 80% of us who will need blood or blood products at some stage in our life.
The aim of World Blood Donor Day is not necessarily to attract a big influx of new donors on June 14, but to create
wider awareness of the importance of blood donation and encourage people to become regular donors.
Many New Zealanders will need blood or a blood product during their life, and with every donation saving up to three
lives, the blood service is always on the lookout for new donors.
As part of World Blood Donor Day, NZBS is emarking on a range of activities, with particular emphasis on recognising
donors as "unsung heroes".
Photo caption: Internationally renowned fashion design Karen Walker models the red armband created for Monday's
inaugural World Blood Donor Day.
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FACTS ABOUT BLOOD DONATION IN NEW ZEALAND
- When giving blood, approximately 470mls of blood will be donated (7% - 8% of the blood volume of an average adult,
i.e. approx. 1.5 cans of soft drink).
- After donating blood, the fluid is replaced within 24 hours and the red blood cells within 6-8 weeks.
- There are four main blood types A, B, AB and O in the ABO blood group system.
- When you become a blood donor you will be advised of your blood group.
- Only about 4% of New Zealand's adult population currently donate blood - yet over 80% of us will need blood or blood
products at some stage in our life.
- Just one donation can help save the lives of three people.
- One donation can be separated into several components (red blood cells, platelets and plasma which is made into other
blood products), each of which is used to treat different types of patients, for example, accident and burns victims,
patients undergoing surgery, adults and children suffering leukemia and transplant patients.
- Red blood cells carry oxygen to the body's organs and tissue.
- There are about one billion red blood cells in two or three drops of blood.
- Red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets are made in the body's bone marrow.
- Red blood cells must be transfused within 35 days of collection.
- Platelets are small blood cells that help control bleeding i.e. help blood to clot.
- Platelets must be transfused within 5 days of collection.
- Plasma can be frozen for up to one year and blood products made from plasma can be stored for up to two years.
- People who have been in accidents and suffered massive blood loss may need multiple transfusions of red blood cells
- Much of today's medical care depends on a steady supply of blood from volunteer donors.
- Approximately 160,000 units of blood are collected every year in New Zealand.
- People who are in good health, aged between 16 and 70 years old (60 for new donors) and weighing at least 50kgs may
donate blood every 3 months
- By checking a questionnaire and the haemoglobin (iron) level, a NZ Blood Service nurse ensures that a person can
safely donate blood. The body will replace the fluids of the donated blood in just 24 hours. The red blood cells will be
replaced in about 6 to 8 weeks. After 3 months, a person can choose to donate again.
- The donation of blood itself takes approximately 10 minutes. The entire process, from when you sign in, to the time
that you leave, can take up to 45 minutes
Your community needs you - please become a blood donor.
You could become a new blood donor if you're aged between 16 years and 60, have good health and weigh at least 50kgs.
For more information about blood donation or to find your nearest Blood Service location:
Phone 0800 GIVE BLOOD (0800 448 325)
Or visit the New Zealand Blood Service web site
www.nzblood.co.nz