Give Blood

Medical Technologist Mahalia Watson draws blood from John B. Smith

We all recall standing in line for ice or gasoline in the days after Ivan and our worry that supplies might be depleted before it came to our turn. That is a fear that we would never want to repeat – especially when it comes to a commodity as critical as blood supply. But that is the threat which the Cayman Islands Hospital Blood Bank, which is in dire need of re-stocking, is now seeking to avert.

This week the Blood Bank launched an appeal for donors called “Save a life...make a Difference” that is urgently appealing to local donors to bolster the critically low blood supply on Grand Cayman. Most urgently needed is O positive blood and current and potential donors with that blood type are asked to visit the Blood Bank at the Cayman Islands Hospital as soon as possible.

Over the last three years, Laboratory Services Manager Joan Terry has noted a steady decline in donors, a position which worsened after Hurricane Ivan when many regular donors left the island. In addition, Medical Technologist Judith Clarke says, some regular donors have found it difficult to make their regular donations due to a lack of transportation. Others have changed phone numbers since Ivan and the Blood Bank has been unable to make contact. The resulting reduction in the blood donor pool has significantly affected the level of available blood supplies.

Ms Terry offers encouragement to first-time donors: “With a community as close-knit as ours, chances are that everyone will know someone who requires blood at least once — be it a family member or a friend. It is important to have adequate supplies at all times to ensure that lives are saved.”

Another impetus for bolstering the local blood supply is the 247% increase in the cost of importing blood. This, coupled with the possibility of being unable to obtain the required quantity of certain blood types when urgently needed, can put lives at risk.

“For anyone who has ever considered becoming a blood donor, we ask you to turn thoughts into action and make your first donation today. Those who have given in the past are encouraged to schedule an appointment to once again give the gift of life during this time of critical need,” Ms Terry concludes.

Ms Clarke assures new donors that giving blood is completely safe since the technologist monitors all stages of the process and ensures that all equipment is sterile. She also explains the process of donating blood:

New donors fill out confidential information form answering questions related to health status. To be considered as a donor you must be 18 years or older, weigh over 110lbs and be in good physical health.
Once approved as a donor, you’ll undergo a mini-physical where blood pressure and haemoglobin are checked. Then a unit of blood is taken (lasting about five minutes). Donors are then asked to relax for ten minutes and enjoy a glass of juice to replenish blood sugar levels.
The Blood Bank contacts donors every three months to come in and give blood.

So if you are between the ages of 18 and 60 and are in general good health, you are invited to enroll as a blood donor. Please contact the Blood Bank at the Cayman Islands Hospital at 244-2674 or 244-2669.