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Ahead of Carnival, Citizens Urged to Donate Blood

THE St. Lucia Blood Bank is currently challenged with low blood supply and blood products. In this regard the Ministry of Health and Wellness by extension the Blood Bank, is making a special appeal to citizens to donate blood.

Medical Technologist Karen Louis said, individuals don’t need a special reason to donate blood. Some persons give blood because they were asked by a friend; some know that a family member might need blood some day or some may just want to help others.

She added no matter the reason for the donation, the need is constant and the contribution is important for a healthy and reliable blood supply.

According to Ms Louis, “The most selfless act that someone can do is to donate blood for someone else. It might be your neighbour, it might be yourself, or it might be a stranger. Saint Lucia we want to encourage you to be part of a blood donating society. ”

Louis said they are thankful for the donors that are regular and they encourage them to continue to donate blood. The blood donation is a simple, four-step process; registration, medical history and mini-physical, donation and refreshments. The process is safe and the actual blood donation typically takes less than 10-12 minutes. Blood recipient, Vernita Bruce gave her testimony.

She added, “I am very happy to support the work of the Blood Bank. I had surgery at the end of January.

“I expected to be home three days later but through a catalogue of events and complications I had to receive blood and blood works and I ended up in ICU and a life threatening situation. I actually had to receive close to 40 pints of blood or blood components.

“I am very thankful for all the people who actually donated blood because that was very critical to me being here today and feeling as strong as I feel today and really and truly I want to thank everybody who was instrumental in helping me to get back on my feet.

“Today I want to encourage each and every one to pass the message along about the importance of donating blood.”

The average adult has about ten pints of blood in his or her body. Roughly one (1) pint is given during a donation.

The Blood Bank invites persons to donate blood between the hours of 8a.m. to 4p.m. Mondays to Friday at the Victoria Hospital or feel free to visit the Mobile Blood Bank.

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