The National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD), the Number One Bank in the UAE, delivers its ninth Annual Blood Donation in Abu Dhabi.

NBAD is combining forces with Abu Dhabi Blood Bank, which operates under Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC), a SEHA Health system Facility, and the Ministry of Health Department of Blood Transfusion & Research Services to conduct the blood drives on 4, 6 and 7 February.

On February 4, the blood donation drive is being held in front of NBAD Branch in Khalidiya for NBAD employees and will then move to the Bank’s Head Office on Khalifa Street on 6th and 7th February where the event will be opened with a performance by the Abu Dhabi Police Band and members of the public are invited to join in and donate.

“Our employees really enjoy our annual events and we are proud of their commitment and efforts to support the community of Abu Dhabi” said Belinda Scott. “We look forward to welcoming the public to join with us and give the ‘gift of life’ this week”.

Since NBAD began annual blood donations in 2004, it has attracted new and loyal donors every year who generously donate the most valuable "gift of life" and participate in saving many lives. Last year (2012) NBAD blood donation campaigns drew more than 600 donors.

In addition to saving lives, donors receive numerous health benefits such as preventing the accumulation of toxic quantities, lowering the iron level in the body, which helps to reduce the risk of heart disease, and reducing blood pressure and blood glucose. Moreover, when donating blood new and fresh blood is formed in the donor’s body.

The Abu Dhabi Blood Bank medical staff performs tests on blood donors for hemoglobin, blood pressure and blood type. The blood collection process takes approximately 10-20 minutes per donor while the entire process from the time volunteers register and begin the screening until they leave took approximately 45 minutes to an hour. Volunteers provide nearly all the nation’s blood supply for transfusion; there is no substitute for human blood and eligible blood donors can donate blood 3-4 times a year safely.

On average, the Abu Dhabi Blood Bank organises seven blood donation drives weekly in cooperation with different organisations in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Universities also cooperate with the Blood Bank to organise blood donation drives for students; shopping malls for visitors; and companies for staff. The blood collected through the Blood Bank in campaigns or in its campus covers the needs of public and private hospitals in Abu Dhabi as well as other Emirates. Blood transfusions often are needed for trauma victims due to accidents and burns, heart surgery, organ transplants, and patients receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or other diseases, such as sickle cell disease and thalassemia.

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