Your Guide To Participate in ‘My Blood for My Country' blood drive

Dubai is back with its annual blood donation campaign for its 10^th edition with the goal of strengthening reserves over the summer period.

The campaign, named ‘My Blood for My Country’, was held under the patronage of Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who became the first donor for the 2021 push.

The "My Blood for My Country" campaign was first introduced in 2012 under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, who was the first blood donor for the initial campaign. His Highness’s support has significantly contributed to the campaign’s success over the years.

It is said to be the best gift those in need would need and so participating is very important. If you like to participate then anyone aged between 18 and 65 is eligible to donate their precious red stuff – which is drawn out 470ml (around eight per cent of the body’s total volume) at time.

Donors must, however, be in good health to do their bit, and medical professionals are on hand to give them the once over.

Blood pressure is checked ahead of time, and you’ll need to provide a pretty extensive medical history, but the process is slick and usually takes around 45 minutes from arrival to exit.

Anyone who has had their second dose of the vaccine will need to wait seven days before being eligible to make a blood donation.

.@sheikhmansoor bin Mohammed is the first blood donor for the 10th edition of "My Blood for My Country" campaign. #Dubai https://t.co/xXUOVWc1Mt pic.twitter.com/DlHJcKjaW9

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) June 14, 2021

If you now would like to participate then you can donate at the Dubai Blood Donation Centre as it has collected 50% of all blood donations in the UAE, so it goes without saying that you’re in safe hands here. To make a donation or find out more about the procedure, call (04 219 3221) you can also visit DHA’s website.

If you live in Abu Dhabi and would also want to participate then visit the Abu Dhabi Blood Bank, in the Khalidiya area of Abu Dhabi City. There’s also the Al Ain Regional Blood Bank, located in the Al Jimi area. Both are open six days a week.

In Sharjah, the Blood Transfusion and Research Centre on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road is also receiving donations (06 558 2111), while Fujairah Hospital can be reached on 09 224 2999, and Sakr Hospital in Ras al Khaimah likewise on (07 222 3666).

Al Ain Regional Blood Bank is located in the Al Jimi (037074567) and Umm Al Quwain blood bank is based out of Umm Al Quwain Hospital (067060500).

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