Blood donation is a voluntary procedure.

You agree to have blood drawn so that it

can be given to someone who needs a blood transfusion. Millions of people need
blood transfusions each year. Some may need blood during surgery. Others depend
on it after an accident or because they have a disease that requires blood
components. Blood donation makes all of this possible.
In the developed world, most blood donors are unpaid volunteers who donate blood
for a community supply. Many donors donate as an act of charity, but in countries
that allow paid donation some donors are paid, and in some cases there are
incentives other than money such as paid time off from work. Donors can also have
blood drawn for their own future use (autologous donation).
There is a constant need for regular blood supply because blood can be stored for
only a limited time before use. Regular blood donations by a sufficient number of
healthy people are needed to ensure that safe blood will be available whenever and
wherever it is needed.
Blood is the most precious gift that anyone can give to another person the gift of
life. A decision to donate your blood can save a life or even several if your blood is
separated into its components red cells, platelets and plasma which can be
used individually for patients with specific conditions.
20 percent of recipients are children many are cancer patients!
Giving blood is 100 percent safe!
One pint of blood from one donor can save up to three lives!
The act of helping others can create an improved sense of well-being. Knowing that
you sacrificed something such as time, finances or property in order to help others
in need can give you a sense of purpose in life or work and inner satisfaction.
Selfless giving is a key component to many spiritual and religious belief systems.
Recognizing that you have taken action in line with your spiritual beliefs by offering
your resources to others in need can bring a sense of inner peace and contentment.
There are on average, 25 or more serious life threatening road traffic accidents
weekly in Vientiane alone that require the Lao Red Cross ambulance to attend.

Did you know a single unit of donated blood can save up to three lives?

The blood you donate gives someone another chance at life. One day that someone
may be a close relative, a friend, a loved oneor even you.

Blood collection from volunteer blood donors is the only way to a safe and sufficient
blood supply. Donated blood is used for patients of trauma such as traffic accidents,
pregnancy-related complications, people who have suffered burns or who are
undergoing surgery.
To give blood you do not need extra strength or extra food.
So please, share a little, care a little and donate blood today.
Blood transfusion is needed for:

Women with complications of pregnancy, such as ectopic pregnancies and

hemorrhage before, during or after childbirth;
Children with severe anemia often resulting from malaria or malnutrition;
People with severe trauma following accidents; and many surgical and cancer
patients.

There is a constant need for regular blood supply because blood can be stored for
only a limited time before use. Regular blood donations by a sufficient number of
healthy people are needed to ensure that safe blood will be available whenever and
wherever it is needed.
You can either make a blood donation at your nearest blood donation center, or at a
mobile unit at your work, university, or school (if you would like to arrange a mobile
unit visit please contact your nearest blood donation center)
Benefits of Donating Blood

You could live longer.

Your iron levels will stay balanced.
Your blood may flow better.