U.S. Embassy Employees Donate Blood, Help Ethiopian Red Cross Save Lives

On July 16, the Ethiopian Red Cross held a blood drive at the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa for the second year in a row.  Ambassador Yamamoto kicked off the drive, telling local media, “By giving blood, you help to ensure that blood is there when you or someone close to you may need it.”  He stressed that the blood donation procedure is sterile and safe and cannot give you HIV/AIDS or other infectious diseases.  The Ambassador explained that, contrary to popular belief, most people can spare blood periodically, because blood cells continually regenerate. 

After completing the required health checks, the Ambassador rolled up his sleeves and joined Ethiopian and American colleagues as one of the first to donate blood.  The procedure was quick and easy, and within an hour, he and other donors were on their way to regular daily duties and meetings.  As he recuperated after his donation, Arega Hussen of the Embassy’s Public Affairs Section explained to journalists at the event, “This is a great volunteer program and this is my fifth time donating blood.  I am glad about this drive since it saves a lot of people suffering from lack of blood.  Money may be lost, knowledge may be forgotten, but blood is life and I feel great joy at helping others.” 

At the blood drive, the Red Cross collected 58 units (approx. 34 liters) of blood.  The blood will be used to help people in Ethiopia in emergencies and with cancer, blood disorders, and other illnesses.  The amount of blood collected at the U.S. Embassy today fulfills Ethiopia’s blood needs for one day.   Melissa Jefferson, the Embassy’s Nurse Practitioner, summed up the day’s results, “We are thrilled to do our part in encouraging voluntary blood donations in Ethiopia.  My wish is that in the near future, no lives should be lost because of an inadequate blood supply.”