Jamaicans encouraged to increase blood donation

Jamaicans There are calls for blood donation to be made a routine activity to help double the island’s annual blood collection from 30,000 to 60,000 litres.

This call was made during a World Blood Donor Day event organized by the Ministry of Health and Wellness.

A call to action from health authorities

Speaking at the event at the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) headquarters in Kingston, Permanent Secretary Dunstan Bryan emphasized the critical importance of every blood donation in saving lives.

He highlighted the impeccable safety record of the NBTS, which ensures that all transfusions are performed without compromising patient safety.

Bryan also emphasized the personal responsibility that comes with blood donation, encouraging individuals to be proactive about their health to remain eligible donors.

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Improving the accessibility of blood donations

To increase the number of blood donations, the operational days at the blood collection center of the Spanish City Hospital in St. Catherine will be extended.

From June 24, the center will open on both Mondays and Saturdays, allowing more donors to come.

Technological advances in blood management

The ministry will launch the E-Delphyn Software, an advanced platform designed to streamline blood donation processes.

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This software will play an important role in organizing blood drives, maintaining donor information and maintaining a safe and efficient blood supply.

Support from international health organizations

Ian Stein, a representative of the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO), underlined the essential role of blood transfusions in prolonging the lives of patients with serious medical conditions.

He cited PAHO’s efforts to increase the number of voluntary blood donations to ensure timely access to safe blood supplies.

Recognized as the Top Female Volunteer Donor, Sonya Binns Lawrence shared her passion for blood donation with JIS News.

She described it as a personal mission fueled by the transformative stories of those saved by these crucial donations.

Celebrating two decades of generosity

The event celebrated the theme ’20 Years of Celebrating Giving: Thank You, Blood Donors’, marking twenty years of contributions from donors who have continuously supported the blood bank, ensuring its preparedness for any crisis.

The NBTS, a key agency under the Ministry of Health and Wellness, remains committed to the safe collection and storage of blood, which is critical for medical transfusions.

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