Dominica joins the rest of the world in celebrating World Blood Donor Day. This event serves to thank voluntary blood donors for the lifesaving gift of blood. It also raises awareness of the need for regular blood donations to ensure that all individuals and communities have access to a safe and timely supply of blood.
This year’s theme is “Give blood and keep the world beating”. Blood is an important resource, both for planned treatments and urgent interventions. It can help patients suffering from life-threatening conditions live longer and with a higher quality of life and supports complex medical and surgical procedures. Blood is also vital for treating the wounded during emergencies of all kinds (natural disasters, accidents etc.) and has an essential, life-saving role in maternal and perinatal care. A blood service that gives patients access to safe blood in sufficient quantity is a key component of an effective health system.
To ensure blood is available when needed, The Dominica China Friendship Hospital Laboratory Blood Bank relies on the commitment of selfless blood donors who empower the blood bank to continue serving Dominica through the availability of a safe and robust blood supply. As National Blood Donor Month approaches, The Dominica China Friendship Hospital Laboratory Blood Bank and its partners challenge all eligible individuals to commit to donate blood in 2021 with the goal of creating a healthy supply that can meet patient needs.
Richard Anselm, Supervisor, Blood Bank implored: “Let’s create a sustainable national blood supply to assist families in need and to promote an ‘each one give one’ culture in our communities. We need each other, give Blood! People live when people give! Blood is meant to circulate!” Richard Anselm, Supervisor Blood Bank
One of CREAD’s key targets states in part “respect for people, planet and property; and law and order maintained following significant disasters.” Under this specific target, CREAD’s “Each One, Reach One” initiative focuses on helping children and youth to be active, civic minded stakeholders in their communities by encouraging them to care about each other and their communities.
As a lead up to World Blood Donor Day, The Dominica China Friendship Hospital Laboratory Blood Bank joined CREAD, The Rotary Club of Dominica, Jollys Pharmacy Ltd, Dominica Red Cross Society, Youth Development Division, Adult Education Division, Youth Emergency Action Committees and Dominica State College to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products for transfusion and of the critical contribution voluntary, unpaid blood donors make to the national health system. The day also provides an opportunity to educate the population and increase the collection of blood from voluntary, non-remunerated blood donors.
The specific objectives of this year’s campaign are to:
· Thank blood donors in Dominica and create wider public awareness of the need for regular, unpaid blood donation;
· Promote the community values of blood donation in enhancing community solidarity and social cohesion;
· Encourage youth to embrace the humanitarian call to donate blood and inspire others to do the same;
· Celebrate the potential of youth as partners in promoting health.
Partners:
