Blood Bank looks to improve collection

The National Blood Transfusion Service, more popularly known as the Blood Bank, is working to improve blood collection with the integration of web-based software, eDelphi, to manage the blood supply chain from donor recruitment to the collection, analysis and transfusion.

This was noted by Health and Wellness State Minister, Krystal Lee, at the ministry’s World Blood Donor Day Awards Brunch and the official launch of the ministry’s Lifesavers Club, aimed at building a consistent base of voluntary donors. The event was held on Sunday at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel in St Andrew. Lee said this comes amid several activities being undertaken by the entity to increase blood collections, including the refurbishing of the Kiwanis Blood Collection Centre at the National Chest Hospital.

“We are also looking at a full overhaul of our current website to support smoother scheduling of donation appointments. These improvements are designed to make it easier, safer and more welcoming for every Jamaican to give blood,” she said. Lee said the ministry is investing in critical infrastructure to encourage regular blood donations.

“Remember that blood cannot be manufactured. It cannot be imported in sufficient quantities. It can only come from the generosity of individuals like you and me. It can only come from giving individuals. As a nation, let us stand together in embracing our shared responsibility to care for one another,” she urged.

The ceremony recognised outstanding blood donors, donor organisations, healthcare partners and stakeholders who support Jamaica’s national blood programme. Some of the awardees have met a milestone of more than 50 donations in their lifetime.

Director of the National Blood Transfusion Service, Dr Kamille West-Mitchell, said each donation can save a life.

“I would like to remind all of us that while we are celebrating the accomplishments of these persons, remember that each one of us can make a difference. Even one donation has the potential to help not just one but up to three patients. [That] makes you a hero,” she said.