It's World Blood Donor Day and in Belize it was celebrated with a blood drive and open day at the Blood Bank. The bank says there is a high demand for blood in Belize, as much as three thousand units annually. That's quite a bit and the problem for the bank is the lack of voluntary donors. Most donors are replacement donors, those who donate because a family member or friend needs it. Acting Director of Laboratory Services Doreen Herrera says that has to change.
Doreen Herrera, Ag. Director of Laboratory Services
"It is to thank the voluntary donors for their contribution to patient care and also to let them know that they play an invaluable role in the blood donor service. We have road traffic accidents, gunshots, and also we have people with diseases like cancer, hemophilia, and different things that they need blood for and when these people come in, especially in emergency cases, we have to have these blood on hand so that they can get it before it is too late."
Keith Swift,
How do I know if I can give blood?
Doreen Herrera,
"We usually screen everybody that comes in. There is a series of questions that we ask and a couple tests that we do before say yes you can give."
Keith Swift,
What's the demand?
Doreen Herrera,
"The demand is a bit high and it is growing, especially due to the number of road traffic accidents and, if you listen to the news almost everyday you hear gunshots - these people need a lot of blood."
Keith Swift,
Is it that people wait only until someone they know needs blood to come in and give blood?
Doreen Herrera,
"Yes, that's the highest rate - replacement. The voluntary rate is not so high and this is why we are appealing to the public, to the business sector, to encourage their staff and come in and talk to us, call us. If you don't know what it is all about, call us and we will talk to you. If you have a couple staff at your organization that wants to give, we could come there and set up a blood drive."
The bank collected 7 units of blood today but the majority of visitors to the drive only signed up. Voluntary donors can only give blood every three months. Donors have to be between the ages of 18 and 65. The blood type highest in demand is O+. If you are interesting in donating blood you can visit the Blood Bank which is located next to the Central Medical Laboratory.
