FBS-Karangmalang Hima English Education EDSA (English Department Student Association) held a blood donation event on Wednesday afternoon (06/05/2015) in the Cine Club room, Building C15 FBS UNY. The activity entitled “Blood Donation: A Drop of Blood, The Light of Life” is a routine program carried out every year by EDSA. This time, the blood donation event was held in collaboration with the Yogyakarta City Branch of the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) UDD.

Until now, the need for blood stock in the DIY region continues to increase and this is not matched by an adequate blood supply. This is the background for EDSA to take part in holding blood donors. Moreover, with the existence of blood donors in the campus environment, it is hoped that it will make it easier for donors, especially students, to donate blood.

The blood donation event was held from 09.00 am to 13.00 pm. The timing is based on considerations to adjust the blood donation procedure that requires donors who are still not active. In addition, prospective donors are required to meet several medical requirements. The requirements for prospective donors include having an ideal body weight, not having menstruation and disease, HB (hemoglobin) above the standard, normal blood pressure, and adequate sleep.

Not all participants can donate blood, however. Some of them do not meet the requirements as donors, especially regarding the amount of hemoglobin. "Unfortunately I can't donate because my HB is low, which is 12, while the minimum amount allowed is 12.5," explained Ahmada Khoirulil Fatih (PBI 2013) as a potential donor. There were 39 bags of blood collected.

In addition to collecting blood stocks, Mutia Syarifah Azma as the person in charge of the event said that this action also has the aim of increasing a sense of solidarity and social care among students, especially at FBS. “By donating blood, we are one step ahead in helping others in need. In addition, I would like to invite FBS friends to be aware of the importance of sharing,”she explained. It seems that Mutia's hopes have been realized with the high enthusiasm of registrants. The number of donors also exceeded the previously predicted target. "Initially we targeted 50 donors, but it turns out that there are 120," added Mutia.

The Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) of Yogyakarta City Branch also gave a positive appreciation for the implementation of this blood donor action. During the activity, 3 personnel were deployed, 1 person recorded prospective donors and checked HB, and 2 officers took donor blood. In addition, PMI officers also provide various instruments and technical operational blood donations needed. (Muvida Aulia/Huma