Blood still in short supply

DESPITE the generosity of voluntary donors, the Blood Bank in Trinidad is still “woefully short of blood.” The supply is supplemented by donations from elective donors — family and friends of patients who require blood, said Saty Seemungal, chairman of the Friends of the Blood Bank. In his message for yesterday’s  World Blood Donor Day observance, he invited the people of TT to become voluntary donors and help save a life. “It would be for your benefit as well as your family. We call on the youths of the nation to come forward and be one of those who give this precious gift of life.” Seemungal said World Blood Donor Day is dedicated to celebrating and thanking the “unsung heroes” who by their contribution have enabled millions to survive or lead a better life. He said millions of people owe their lives to these donors, whom they have never met.

Members of the public interested in being voluntary blood donors can contact the Blood Bank at 623-8204. The Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) said although many advances have been made in voluntary blood donation, 82 percent of the world lacks a steady safe blood supply. “There is much room for improvement,” PAHO said in a media advisory. It said World Blood Donor Day strives to honour voluntary blood donors for their selfless commitment to helping their communities. “Voluntary blood donors are crucial for providing the world with a safe blood supply because they have a much lower percentage of infections than paid replacement donors.” PAHO said the day is also intended to encourage individuals to become regular blood donors. As part of worldwide celebrations, PAHO recognised achievements in the arena of voluntary blood donations by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Rotary International, United Blood Services El Paso and United Blood Services Foundation.