Just one hour of our time can save lives

Eight years ago,I went to the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) to donate blood for the first time.

Less than an hour after stepping into HSA, the task was completed.

That included answering a questionnaire, undergoing a physical exam and examining my iron level via a finger prick blood test. The actual blood-drawing process took only about 15 minutes.

Since then, I made a commitment to donate blood for as long as my health permits.

Fast forward to this year, I attended the World Blood Donor Day ceremony at OCBC Arena last Sunday. The event was to share life-changing stories of beneficiaries and celebrate donors' achievements.

It didn't occur to me that I had donated 29 times over the past eight years. For that, I was presented with a bronze award.

Donating blood may not mean anything more significant to us than taking time out from our hectic schedule, but it means everything for someone fighting for his life, and for his family.

Although we will not know where the donated blood goes to, nor will we meet the recipient in person, we can be sure that someone's life will become better just because we make the right choice with one hour of our time.

Give blood, it saves lives.

Tan Chin Hock

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