, reporting from Silver Spring, Maryland, United
States
Seventh-day Adventists, who operate one of the largest
networks of hospitals and clinics worldwide, strongly support the World Health
Organization’s annual World Blood Donor Day on June 14, said Dr. Peter Landless, Health Ministries director for the Adventist world church.
“Donating blood could save the life of someone you love, but
it could also save the life of someone who can give life,” said Landless, who
has donated blood in the past.
This year’s theme for World Blood Donor Day is “Safe Blood for Saving Mothers,”
which focuses on expectant mothers. The campaign’s goal is to increase
awareness about why timely access to safe blood is essential for all countries
as part of a comprehensive approach to prevent maternal deaths. About 800 women
die each day from pregnancy or child-related complications, according to the
World Health Organization.
Seventh-day Adventists support the use of blood transfusions
when necessary, and the church has been recognized for its positive promotion
of blood drives, from its own world headquarters to local churches.
The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Costa Rica last year was recognized by the
National Blood Bank as the most successful organization in obtaining blood
donations, the Costa Rica Star reported.
The church has also been recognized throughout Latin America for its
coordination of blood donation drives, such as in Brazil
and Colombia.
Adventists work in collaboration with local governments as part of a collaboration
with the Pan-American Health Organization.
