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Straits Times Forum
21 November 2014
'Tis the season for giving - blood
THE Christmas decorations and lights are up along Orchard Road. It is that time of the year for sharing and giving.
Amid our busy schedules and preparations for the year-end festivities, family holidays and the arrival of a new year, do spare a thought for those who are in need of blood donations.
According to the Health Sciences Authority, 70,824 people donated blood last year - an extremely small percentage of our resident population.
The more common factors that discourage people from making that trip to the blood bank are fear of the needle, the misconception that their bodies will suffer and be less than healthy, and the fear of getting Aids.
The only valid reason is the first. The next time that fear grips you, think about the possibility of saving up to three lives with your one donation. Wouldn't that be more than enough reason to conquer your fear?
As a nation, we are always striving to be the best. My Christmas wish is that more people will step up to donate blood, be it once a year or more regularly. Wouldn't it be great if Singapore can be a nation of regular blood donors?
Paul Heng
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