HUFFPED IN COLLABORATION WITH LAGOS STATE BLOOD TRANFUSION SERVICE CONDUCT BLOOD DRIVE EXERCISE AT MICHAEL OTEDOLA COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, EPE, LAGOS

The memories of February 26^th 2013 would forever linger in the hearts of students of Michael Otedola College of Education as they gave out their blood for the love of humanity and the feeble.

The blood drive section which was handled by Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service in collaboration with Humanity Family Foundation For Peace and Development (HUFFPED) all tilted towards saving a life by donating blood.

This drive couldn’t have being successful if some things were not put into consideration. The top of all that should be available is a donor and thankfully, students of the College came out in mass to donate their pants of blood voluntarily with gladdened heart.

The drive commenced at around 11am with interested donors on site as well as trained health personnel who made sure the donors where checked appropriately in terms of their blood pressure, body weight as well as Hemoglobin level. When a donor undergoes all these check and is qualified as fit he or she moves to the next stage which is called the Phlebotomy stage, in lay man’s tongue, this is the stage at which blood is collected.

It is apparent to note that whoever comes in as a donor comes in willingly, no forceful act attached and every donor is encouraged and appreciated in kind.

When the patients’ blood is received, they are advised not bend their heads or wear their shoes and to facilitate their muscles.

Over 300 students donated blood and where also registered and given health card that qualifies them for a next appointment for blood donations. The female donors were given appointment date of June 27^th 2013 while the male donors for May 27^th 2013.

While addressing the students donors at the school auditorium a student also asked a question more for clarification, he wanted to be sure the blood collected will not be sold out as they won’t be happy if that gets known to them.

A representative of the Lagos State Blood transfusion Service answered explaining that after blood is collected from donors, the blood is screened inorder to know the level of compatibility hence, a compatibility test is run alongside other test like HIV test screening. All these, he explained will also incur some expenses thus, the blood would need to be gotten at a price but subsided.

Another student, an intending female donor also came out to lay her plight as she wasn’t given an opportunity to donate. For clarifications, she was educated that her blood pressure and body weight isn’t up to that of one that can be allowed to donate, more so, she’s undergoing her menstrual cycle.

Process involved in bleeding: the donor makes up mind to donate blood willingly ----- given a form to fill, this serves as an official commitment sequel to the donors’ decision indicating 100% willingness and commitment ----- undergoes basic body test to reiterate donors qualifications for donation  ----- blood is received ---- counseling, appreciation and acknowledgment.