These certificates of voluntary blood donation record the blood donation journey of Mr. Duong Quoc Tinh. Photo: TUONG VI
My first impression of Mr. Tinh was his tall stature, gentle smile, and approachable, sincere demeanor. Recalling his first time donating blood voluntarily in 2018, when he was just 18 years old, Mr. Tinh still remembers the feeling of nervousness and anxiety. Before donating, he couldn't help but feel apprehensive, both curious and afraid of needles. However, after being encouraged and guided by the doctors and nurses, his anxiety gradually gave way to reassurance. Mr. Tinh shared: “After my first blood donation, I felt more relaxed and had a better appetite. That experience helped me understand that blood donation is not just about giving, but also a way for the body to be 'renewed.' From that first hesitant experience, I formed the habit of donating blood regularly and have been involved in this activity for almost 10 years.”
In addition to participating in voluntary blood donation drives organized by the local authorities, Mr. Tinh also registered to donate blood urgently at medical facilities throughout the province. He left his phone number at medical centers, Kien Giang General Hospital, and other medical facilities so that he could provide timely assistance in case of an urgent blood transfusion.
Among the times he was called to donate blood urgently, Mr. Tinh remembers most vividly one late night, while he was asleep, he received a call from a medical facility informing him that a patient had been seriously injured in a traffic accident, had lost a lot of blood, and urgently needed a blood transfusion. Without hesitation, he drove to the hospital to help. “At that time, I simply thought I had to go immediately, because any delay could affect the patient's life. After that emergency blood donation, knowing that the patient was out of danger, I felt very relieved and happy. It wasn't just a blood donation, but a moment that helped me clearly understand the value of sharing,” Mr. Tinh confided.
Besides donating whole blood, Mr. Tinh also regularly donates platelets. According to him, this is a more special form of donation, usually done when patients need platelet supplementation in emergency situations or during treatment for serious illnesses, requiring a suitable and timely blood supply. After each blood or platelet donation, he takes adequate rest and ensures proper nutrition to help his body recover quickly. He maintains a balanced diet, increases his intake of iron-rich foods, drinks plenty of water, and avoids strenuous work immediately after donating blood. Taking care of his health after blood donation not only helps stabilize his body but also allows him to maintain his long-term and persistent philanthropic journey.
In the early days of Mr. Tinh's voluntary blood donation, his family members were worried, fearing it might affect his health. However, over time, as they understood the significance of blood donation and saw that his health remained stable, the family gradually felt reassured and supportive.
Mr. Tinh also actively shared and encouraged his relatives, friends, and neighbors to participate in voluntary blood donation. “Whenever the local area launches a blood donation drive, I often invite my relatives, friends, and neighbors to join. It might just be a one-time blood donation for me, but for patients, it's a chance for them to continue living. Therefore, I always try to encourage more people around me to participate, so that this act of kindness can spread little by little,” Mr. Tinh expressed.
Thanks to his active participation in the voluntary blood donation movement, Mr. Tinh has been repeatedly commended and praised by local authorities and Red Cross organizations at all levels, and has been honored as an exemplary blood donor. These recognitions not only encourage him but also motivate him to continue his journey of sharing blood and spreading compassion in the community.
Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/42-lan-trao-co-hoi-song-a490965.html
