All set for World Blood Donor Day

The Fairview Shopping Centre in Montego Bay is among the locations to be used on Thursday by the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) as it carries out World Blood Donor Day collections.

The NBTS is imploring all eligible individuals to support the day, with the theme for this year’s observance being ‘Be There for Someone Else. Give Blood. Share Life’.

World Blood Donor Day is recognised as a day to honour voluntary blood donors for their generosity and sacrifice as well as raise awareness surrounding the need for regular donations to ensure the quality, safety, and availability of blood and blood products for patients in need.

Blood Donor Organiser Igol Allen said it is important for prospective donors to remember that blood donation is not just beneficial to persons who will receive the blood.

“There are a number of benefits to be had also by the donor, including improved heart health, enhanced production of new blood cells and reduced cancer risk. Screening conducted at the time of donation also helps individuals to know their vital numbers in relation to blood sugar levels, cholesterol and others,” Allen added.

SPOTLIGHT ON OCHO RIOS

The collection centre of focus for this year is the Ocho Rios Baptist Church in St Ann, where donors are able to give blood between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Other locations include the University Hospital of the West Indies, National Blood Transfusion Centre’s Slipe Pen Road Collection Unit, Port Antonio Hospital, St Ann’s Bay Hospital, and Mandeville Hospital.

All persons between 16 and 60 years of age are being asked to come out and support the drive and save a life.

Allen said that outside of collection during this week, he is encouraging individuals to make blood donation a habit.

“We need only two per cent of the population to give blood annually to be able to meet our local demand for the precious commodity,” he said.

Persons who suffer from anaemia, STIs, HIV/AIDS, as well as individuals who are underweight or under the age of 16, are among those ineligible to donate.

A ceremony to recognise significant partners and donors will be held this month.