By: Meryl Krys A. Dominguez

Donating blood is a simple thing to do, but can make a big difference in the lives of others. When you give blood, you do one amazing act of saving a life. The gift of blood is the gift of life. The blood you donate gives someone chance of life. One day that someone may be a close relative, a friend, a loved one —- or even you.

Last August 15, 2015, Evangel Family Church Cagayan De Oro conducted its fourth blood donation in partnership with Red Cross. The blood donation lasted for more than an hour with a total of fifteen donors. Each participant was required to register.

For those who are interested to support the noble cause of donating blood, here are some helpful information. First of all, volunteers from Red Cross need to check if you are qualified to donate. Whether it is the first time you give blood, or you are a regular donor, the blood service must ensure your safety. Red Cross also checks your blood type and compatibility. The second part is the health and confidential interview of your health history. Body temperature, hemoglobin,  blood pressure, and pulse are also checked.  Lastly is the actual donation. Nurses from Red Cross cleanse an area on the arm and insert a brand-new, sterile needle for the blood draw. It feels like a quick pinch and is over in seconds. Donors are given time to rest and relax while the bag is filling. The whole blood donation approximately takes ten minutes. When a pint of blood is collected, the blood donation is completed. Finally, donors are given time to relax in order to gain strength, and precautions are given to avoid any side effects. After ten to fifteen minutes, donors can now leave the donation site and continue with their normal daily activities.

Every day thousands of people need blood transfusions and, by donating blood, you too can help save a life. Any healthy person can become a blood donor – you are not restricted by your race, gender or financial standing. The only requirement you have is making the effort to get up and go to donate blood. With this one small action, you could save the life of a person in need of a blood transfusion.

EFC Cagayan de Oro conducts blood donation every year and continuously encourages its members and everyone to become a blood donor. We want to be a blessing to the community through blood donation just as Christ shed His blood for the salvation of mankind. What a joy it brought to everyone who courageously took the challenge in donating blood! Let others live through you.