The Deputy Minister of Education for Girls’ Education, Ms. Norah Al Fayez, recently launched a blood donation campaign for the staff of Riyadh city’s schools at the 57 Secondary School. The event was attended by a number of school principals and educational supervisors.
Ms. Al Fayez stated that this campaign is the first of its kind in the Ministry, adding that it will be particularly effective because the Ministry of Education has the largest total number of employees of any government sector. The 5 million students served by the schools can also help to raise public awareness of the importance of blood donation. This campaign is a partnership between both the boys and girls educational sectors.
Ms. Fayez stressed the importance of launching the campaign in schools rather than in institutions by a higher leadership. High-level involvement underscores the importance of student participating in donating, volunteering and spreading awareness. Ms. Al Fayez was the first to donate blood after being tested.
Ms. Al Fayez called upon all students and the community to join the campaign to help save lives and alleviate patient suffering, in keeping with the teachings of Islam.
The Ministry of Education encourages all eligible students over the age of eighteen to participate in the campaign by donating blood. And even though students under 18 can’t donate, she continued, they can learn about the importance of community blood drives and can share their knowledge with others.
Princess Huda Al Ayyaf, Educational Affairs Assistant Director at Riyadh's Educational Administration, said that this initiative illustrates our society’s interest in helping those in need. Moreover, Her Highness said, the campaign highlights a national duty. The motto “We Live with It” refers to the importance of blood, since there is no life without it. Sufficient supplies of blood must be available in all hospitals and blood banks in the Kingdom, and we rely entirely upon donors from inside the Kingdom now that the country no longer imports blood from abroad. Her Royal Highness encouraged everyone to donate, and said that thankfully, the culture of donation is spreading in our society.
The Supervisor of the Information and Health Awareness Information Center, Dr. Amal Abo AlJadayel also stressed the importance of blood donation, and summarized the requirements for blood donors. To give blood, potential donors must be between the ages of 18 and 60, weigh a minimum of 50kg, have a minimum blood hemoglobin level of 12.5 g/dl, a body temperature of a maximum of 37 degrees Celsius, a pulse rate between 60 and 100 beats per minute and blood pressure between 120/80 and 140/90 mmHg. A donor must also be able to pass a medical exam, and must not be suffering from any chronic or endemic illnesses.
For more information about how to donate blood, specialists at the Information and Health Awareness Information Center are available on the Center’s Toll-Free number (800-249-4444).