Hamstrings Club in Conjunction with 500 Lives Initiatives and Partners Hold Seventh Edition of Blood Drive in ABH
Alexander Brown Hall on Saturday, 26th October 2024, once again this year served as the hub of voluntary blood donations. The Hamstring Club UCH, along with new partner, 500 Lives Initiative, also in collaboration with the UIMSA Maternal and Child Health Initiative UCH, the Smile Builders Initiative, the Rotaract Club of UCH, and the Junior Chamber International UCH heralded another blood drive, the seventh time since inception.
The event was organized to implement philanthropic efforts aimed at addressing the rampant issue of blood shortages in hospitals. Health professionals from the University College Hospital Blood Bank oversaw the blood donation process.
The blood drive themed: Lend An Arm, was sub-themed “Freedom In Every Drop”. The event began at 9:30 am, where both Brownites and non-Brownites gradually arrived in increasing numbers at the pool area of the quadrangle to freely donate a pint of blood.
Speaking with the Hams Chancellor, Irfan Jimoh, he revealed that the Hamstrings Club has used the “Lend an Arm” theme for its blood donation drive for four years, honoring their major sponsor, the Lend an Arm Initiative, an alumni organization of the club. He also revealed that 500 Lives Initiative contributed immensely to the publicity and logistics of the event.
Still speaking about the event, he added, “One of the donors said that she particularly anticipated for this since two weeks ago, despite the fact that she heard so many discouraging words like, her veins are too tiny and on that day, she was pricked about five times, yet she never gave up. Things like this make the drive worth it.”
Before donating, participants underwent an eligibility assessment, which included checking their blood levels with a Copper Sulphate solution. Mrs. Olayode, a Medical lab technician, explained that the method was a quick way of knowing if their blood levels were 35% and above, one of the criteria for eligibility. She also explained that follow-up questions such as recent malaria infection, antibiotic use, and the timing of previous blood donation amongst others determined eligibility.
Afterward, participants were registered and given a blood bag containing the anticoagulant citrate phosphate dextrose adenine (CPDA) solution. The procedure takes eight to ten minutes, and participants were offered refreshments. Many praised the efficiency of the process and appreciated the care they received.
Some participants who were interviewed had comments about the experience. Ayo, an anthropology student of University of Ibadan (UI) was one of such. She revealed that she had come for the sole purpose of donating. This was her first time donating. Another first-time donor was Peace, a 500-level medical student, who overcame her phobia of needles and came out to donate after being encouraged by her roommate.
The event witnessed in their numbers those donating for the first time, yet quite a good number had had previous experience with donating. Williams, donating blood for the fifth time since his first experience at a blood drive in UI Independence Hall, said he always looked forward to such events geared towards saving lives. Another participant, Tayo, a 500 Level Physiotherapy student was donating for the fourth time. The event was wrapped up at 4:20pm with seventy-six persons donating.
Blood shortages in blood banks are a growing global issue. The blood drive has successfully contributed by ensuring that every pint donated can save a life. It has also made the donation process more accessible for the Brownites’ community.
