The National Blood Transfusion Service ‘the Blood Bank’ received a much needed Mobile Blood Collection Unit. Speaking at the handover ceremony on Friday, January 2, 2015, Dr. Fenton Ferguson, Minister of Health stated, ‘the utilization of the Mobile Blood Unit will be a step in the right direction in allowing access to donors who would not otherwise be able to reach our collection centres. This will no doubt strengthen the work of the National Blood Transfusion Service in increasing the number of voluntary non remunerated donors, who remain the safest source of blood worldwide’.
Violence and non-intentional injuries continue to put a heavy burden on the health system and places a demand on the blood supply. Blood is also needed to treat cancer patients, persons with bleeding disorders, chronic anaemias and is even required to save the lives of some pregnant mothers.
Dr. Ferguson stated, ‘While blood collection in 2013 surpasses the targeted sub-goal of 30,000 units, the country has been struggling for years with recurrent blood shortages which have a direct impact on medical and surgical care. Culturally, we find that persons seem to be more willing to donate blood based on a specific need of a family member or friend. The input of many partners collaborating with the health sector will be required to create the environment that will allow individuals to develop the altruistic approach required to sustain voluntary donations’.
The sponsorship of the Mobile Blood Collection Unit was made possible by Ms. Angelia Christian, the founder of the Angel Foundation, RAFFA/Blood For Life, Grace Foods UK and many more partners.
The first blood drive using the Mobile Unit is planned for January 10, 2015 in partnership with Kiwanis, JLB Shipping and Jamaica National Building Society. For more information contact the National Blood Transfusion Service.