RJRGLEANER champions life-saving cause with blood drive

IN A move to support local healthcare, the RJRGLEANER Communications Group last month hosted a blood drive to help the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) meet the demands for blood and blood products that are critical to saving lives.

The event was met with success, as several staff members donated the life-saving resource.

Paula Lawrence, the company’s nurse, highlighted the perpetual demand for blood in healthcare settings and praised the participants as unsung heroes for their vital contributions.

“Blood is something we don’t produce, and the only way we get it is through donations,” Lawrence said.

Noting that every unit of donated blood has the potential to save up to three lives, Lawrence said a single donation can create a positive ripple effect, affecting multiple individuals and families. Emphasising the critical significance of blood as a vital health resource that cannot be mass produced, she underscored the ongoing responsibility of individuals to contribute by donating blood whenever possible.

“That’s why it is our duty as good citizens and responsible humans to donate, once we have the ability to do so,” Lawrence said.

Last December, Igol Allen, blood donor organiser at the NBTS, said the country needed more blood donors.

“We are currently only meeting about 50 per cent of the demand for blood and its by-products per annum, and we need more blood if we are to save more lives,” he said.

Donated blood and its by-products are used to treat a myriad of medical conditions, including cancer, anaemia and blood disorders.

According to the NBTS, anyone from age 16 up to 65 years may donate blood, once they are in good health.