Blood Donation

Objectives of the practice:

The college takes cognizance of the thousands of people who depend on the good will of blood donors to keep them in good health or allow them to stay alive. It is with the objective of providing a vital service to the community and making a difference in the lives of the people in need of the precious gift of blood that the college under the aegis of Red Ribbon Club initiates blood donation campaign annually. The practice of regular and voluntary blood donation is encouraged in order to ensure that blood will always be available whenever and wherever it is needed.

The Context:

The teachers try to make the students aware of how voluntary, unpaid donors like them are the foundation of a safe blood supply which saves the life of many people from the jaws of untimely death. Through mentor mentee sessions the students are also made aware about how blood donation is not just beneficial to the receivers but to the donor as well. This is because every person who donates blood undergoes a simple physical examination and blood test before giving blood. While these are not in-depth tests, but they may help identify hitherto, unknown health concerns, and could help the donors take the first step towards treatment if any problem is detected. Also knowing that they make a difference in the lives of people by donating their blood will help boost their sense of well-being.

The Practice:

The College through the Red Ribbon Club (RCC) initiates Blood Donation Campaign annually in collaboration with Blood Bank District Hospital, Dimapur. In recognition of the noble initiative the College has received a Certificate from Blood Bank District Hospital.
Unity College Student community is mindful of the importance of donating blood. To date 89 Blood donors – inclusive of the students and employees- have registered themselves as voluntary blood donors. The list of the blood donors is maintained by Red Ribbon Club with their blood group and contact details. The Blood donors are given Certificates by the Blood Bank District Hospital once they donate blood. In the event that the donor fall sick and require blood, this certificate can be produced before the Blood Bank to get access to free blood.

Evidences of Success:

On 16th December, 2019, a Blood Donation Campaign was jointly organized by NSS & NCC where 75 Students participated. The students and employees come forward with good grace to donate blood or any other help they can render when anyone in need reaches out to the
college. The Student community is well acquainted with all the activities related to blood donation and its importance due to massive awareness created by the Mentors/Teachers, particularly during the mentor mentee sessions. Unity College community is acclaimed for being regular blood donors in the state. The college has also been listed among the pro active institutes in giving and helping others through blood donation and other community extension services.

Problems encountered and Resources Required:

The College has faced some hurdles in making this practice more widespread because of few reasons. The most important among them being the lack of awareness particularly on the part of the parents who restrict their children from donating blood because of the erroneous notion
that donating blood can make one more susceptible to sickness or make them weak. Another hurdle is that, sometimes due to rare blood group or such other issues, those willing to donate are prevented or unable to donate. To make the practice more impactful and extensive, conscientious effort will have to be made to inform the students and parents and all the stakeholders about the healthy benefits of donating blood.