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BLOOD DONATION DRIVE ACROSS HINDU MANDIRS IN NORTH AMERICA. Rahul M. Jindal, MD, PhD, MBA Transplant Surgeon, Clinical Professor, Walter Reed AMC & George Washington University, Washington, DC. INTRODUCTION. Concept of blood donation by Hindu temples and faith-based organizations .
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BLOOD DONATION DRIVE ACROSS HINDU MANDIRS IN NORTH AMERICA Rahul M. Jindal, MD, PhD, MBA Transplant Surgeon, Clinical Professor, Walter Reed AMC & George Washington University, Washington, DC
INTRODUCTION • Concept of blood donation by Hindu temples and faith-based organizations. • Concept has spread to Indian-American student organizations, Indian-owned business, Seva Chapters. • Team work by many motivated individuals. • Many mandirs organized for the first time in their history.
WHY DO THIS? • There is an acute and ongoing need. • Show our involvement in the wider American community. • Such events motivate young members for community and political involvement. • Showcase Hindu culture in the media.
WHY DO WE NEED A BLOODDRIVE? • According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, nearly 14 million units of whole blood and red cells are required every year. • Some patients of Asian descent require a closer blood match than that provided by the ABO positive/negative blood typing. For this reason, it is extremely important to increase the number of available blood donors from the Asian communities. • 5% of the total eligible population gives blood. However, less than 1% of the Asian community donates blood. • Certain blood types are unique to specific racial and ethnic groups. For example the majority of Asian donors are type B.
METHODS • Contact is made with the local Red Cross. • Date is arranged closest to 9/11 for symbolism. • Set up a volunteer sign up sheet – 4 preceding Sundays by physicians/volunteers in the temple. • Explain the inclusion and exclusion criteria. • E-mail blast.
FLYER INFORMATION • Photo identification is required for all donors. • The potential donor must: • Be in good health and feel well on the day of donation. • Have a hemoglobin (red blood cell) level which meets the established FDA standard. • Wait 56 days before giving another donation of whole blood. • Weigh at least 110 lbs. • Be at least 17 years old • All donors are required to complete a health questionnaire and blood safety form during a confidential interview. • You cannot donate blood if you have visited India within last 1 year. • Persons who have hepatitis, HIV or transmittable disease should not donate blood. If you have any doubts call any physician in the temple.
CASE STUDY - 1 • BAPS Charity – Washington DC • In 2012, we had 90 volunteers, 45 units collected.
CASE STUDY - 2 • Indian-American Students organized blood donation drives. • Rutgers University • Edison Community College • Facebook
CASE STUDY - 3 • Indian-American business organized blood donation drives under the banner of HMEC. • Zara Realty in Long Island, NY.
CASE STUDY - 4 • Bone marrow drive for Amit Gupta • www.saveamitgupta.com • Over 300 people registered. • Amit Gupta received a successful bone marrow transplant.
CASE STUDY - 5 • Seva Chapter of Greater Washington • Venue was RajdhaniMandir, VA. • 35 units were collected. • This could be a model for other 40 chapters in the U.S.
CONCLUSION • Blood donation drives in all 500 Hindu Mandirs in North America. • This year will be the 11th Anniversary of 9/11. • Lets us unify Hindu Mandirs across North America by having blood drives around 9/11. • Central coordination and media presence to highlight Hindu-American contribution to society. • Could tag on bone marrow enrollment/flu shots. • Could select a special theme each year – ie for soldiers. Event Coordinators who have any questions about organizing a blood drive may contact: Rahul M. Jindal, MD, PhD at (301) 400-2509 or e-mail: jindalr@msn.com
IMPORTANT WEB SITES • http://www.redcrossblood.org/hosting-blood-drive • http://www.redcrossblood.org/info/pennjersey/asian-community-outreach-program • http://www.redcrossblood.org/hosting-blood-drive/ultimate-guide-hosting-blood-drive/fliers-and-tools North American Hindu Temples National Blood Donation Campaign video on YouTube: • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSP7tSOw9p0
SPECIAL THANKS AbhayaAsthana, PhD, Boston Mahesh Mangalick, PhD, Atlantic City DhavalJoshipura, Chicago Luz Rodriguez, New York Sant Gupta, PhD, Virginia