Donating blood is a noble act that can make a difference in the lives of many people. This procedure can save the lives of patients who require surgeries, accidents, transplants or other medical conditions that require regular transfusions. Despite the increase in donors registered between 2022 and 2023, the blood supply in Peru remains insufficient to cover the constant and growing demand.
“The low number of donors is mainly due to the lack of information on this issue. However, this can be reversed by working to raise awareness about the importance of voluntary blood donation,” said Dr. Suzanne Cortez, RIMAC deputy health risk manager.
With this objective, RIMAC clarifies some of the most common myths to promote a culture of voluntary and continuous donation:
- Donating blood will make you feel weak: It is normal to experience mild fatigue after donating blood, but this is temporary. Your body will be in charge of replenishing the donated blood, especially if you are well hydrated and rest properly.
- Having tattoos does not allow you to donate blood: People with tattoos can donate blood. However, it is important to wait a year after getting a tattoo to ensure there is no risk of blood-borne infections.
- Donating blood causes anemia: Donating blood does not cause anemia. The human body has a great capacity for regeneration and blood levels are replenished the next day, which will make the new blood more oxygenated. ”It is important to remember that blood banks test donors to ensure they have adequate hemoglobin levels before donation, thus ensuring the safety of both the donor and the recipient,” he added. Cortez from RIMAC.
- You can only donate blood twice a year: It is recommended that men donate blood every three months and women every four, due to differences in physiology and menstrual cycles in women. This ensures that the body has enough time to replenish iron levels and maintain good health.
- You can contract diseases: Donating blood will not cause you to contract any disease. Doctors are responsible for using sterile and disposable material.
”In Peru, the need to donate blood is constant, and the contribution of each donor is invaluable.”, concluded Dr. Suzanne Cortez, deputy risk manager at RIMAC. With a continuous, safe supply of blood, countless lives can be saved and a more caring, healthier community built.
It is worth remembering that donating blood voluntarily has benefits such as renewing the body’s blood cells and contributes to cardiovascular health, as reported by the Ministry of Health (MINSA).
