- National Blood Transfusion Service, Jamaica Red Cross take collection drive to Westmoreland
KINGSTON, Jamaica. Saturday, November 23, 2024: The National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS), an entity of the Ministry of Health & Wellness, yesterday (Friday, November 22, 2024) hosted the third in a series of blood drives, as part of ongoing national efforts to ensure the availability of blood and blood products for Jamaicans who need them.
Organised in collaboration with the Jamaica Red Cross, the blood drive was staged at Independence Park in Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland. Twenty Jamaicans, males and females, successfully contributed. Another 19 turned out to contribute but were unable to do so due to factors such as high blood pressure, smoking and low blood count.
The other two collection drives – all staged under the theme ‘Give Love, Give Blood’ – were held at Emancipation Park in Kingston and Church Teachers’ College in Mandeville on October 22 and October 24 respectively. More than 70 persons turned out to those activations, some 50 per cent of whom were able to donate blood.
Meanwhile, in addition to our national blood drive series, there are now eleven (11) collection centres spread across the island for persons who want to donate.
Everyone can donate one (1) unit of blood every 3 months. Most of the blood donations received by the NBTS are from replacement donors who donate blood for friends and family members who need it for immediate use. In addition, the NBTS continues to promote voluntary blood donation.
DONATION VALUE
Blood is a critical resource for medical treatments, surgeries, and emergencies. It can help patients who have accidents, surgeries, or medical conditions such as cancer, blood disorders, or chronic illnesses. Donating blood can save someone’s life or improve their health.
Donating blood is a selfless act of giving that can provide a deep sense of fulfillment and satisfaction. Knowing that you have played a part in positively impacting someone’s life and well-being can be incredibly rewarding.
The Ministry of Health & Wellness continues to encourage Jamaicans to give blood.