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The Belmopan Red Cross is calling on the public to roll up their sleeves and help save lives. A blood drive is being organized this Friday in response to a concerning drop in blood donations across the country. Ljay Wade tells us more in the following report.
Ljay Wade, Reporter: The Belmopan Red Cross is appealing to the public to participate in a blood drive this Friday, October 25th, in response to a recent decline in blood donations nationwide. The event will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Medicare Plus Pharmacy, located at the Belmopan Market Square. Organizers say the initiative comes at a crucial time, as hospitals and families across Belize face shortages in blood supply. Belmopan Red Cross Chairperson Tashira Swift Myers underscored the importance of donating during this period.
Tashera Swift Myers, Chairperson, Belize Red Cross: “Well, the primary reason for us to host the blood drive is because we realize that the Belize Blood Bank, there’s a shortage of blood that’s in the bank and we see so many times on social media, on the news, families making appeal for blood to be donated, whether their loved one might have experienced a traumatic event, being in an accident and needing blood or even in the case of persons who undergo cancer treatment. So, we see the need and it’s just in an effort for us to bring more awareness and get people to see how important it is to give back. “
Ljay Wade, Reporter:Importance of donating during this period while Joelyn Poornananda, owner of The Pharmacy, assured that the donation process is safe, simple and managed by trained professionals.
Joelyn Poornananda, Owner, The Pharmacy: “When they come to donate blood, ah have, for example, on Friday we’ll have, it’s a collaboration between multiple areas, Medicare Plus Pharmacy, the Belize Red Cross, the Belmopan branch, and Western Regional, the Laboratory department. The lab technicians will be there from Western Regional, and they will invite you in. There’s a question-and-answer sheet that you need to fill out which basically grabs the most, the more important information; your age, when, if you have any kind of medical condition, if there’s anything that would be able to impair you from donating blood. But don’t worry, it’s nothing to be that concerned about. What’s important is that you come in, you’re comfortable, we go through the questionnaire, they would ask you if you’ve ever donated blood. They would ask you if you’ve had any illnesses lately or any medication that they should know about. And then they would first do a prick to check it. What that does is be able to tell you what your blood type is. If your hemoglobin is too low, that would mean that you’re not able to donate blood. And for us at the pharmacy, that gives us an opportunity to then say, your blood was a little low this time, but let’s work at making sure that you’re better next time, because we’re glad that you came to donate. We want you to donate and so we might give you something to help build up your blood. um That could also be one of the reasons why you’re feeling tired at school, you’re not feeling, you’re a little “loagey”. After they did the assessment, they would determine whether you can or you cannot. If you can, we will escort you into the private room where you’ll be assisted by the other technicians, which will help draw blood. After that, give you a little snack, a little sticker to say, know, thank me, I donated blood today, and then we’re done for the day. One of the most important things is to have a well-balanced meal before. You want to really hydrate your body, drink enough fluids so that when you’re there, if you’re nervous, you’re not too nervous, you’re relaxed. So obviously a very good balanced breakfast or lunch, hydrate throughout the day, and then don’t worry about the rest. We’ll give you a little snack afterwards. So you’ll be okay.”
Belize’s Pharmacy Club is also lending their support encouraging young people to take part.
Belize Pharmacy Club Member1: “So I’m just here to encourage you guys to come with us and be a supporter in the donation for the blood drive this Friday because blood can save lives. We sometimes might take for granted, but sometimes with our blood donation we can help a child with cancer, a mom, a victim of an accident.”
Belize Pharmacy Club Member 2: “I used to think that donating blood was just an act of charity and like to do something good for someone else but not only that I realize it’s an actual need for the community and it also benefits you. Before I even get a drop of blood I realize it’s beneficial to me because they not only do they check my blood hemoglobin levels, they check my blood pressure and my sugar. Now this reassures me that my body is at peak condition so it’s a free health checkup and I would encourage you guys to come to Medicare Plus Pharmacy and donate blood. This Friday, Miss Jolene will be there and she will happily attend you. It’s free. So I encourage you guys very much.
Belize Pharmacy Club Member 3: “Donating blood is one of the most simple yet powerful ways to make a difference in the community. It gives us a sense of purpose and fulfillment knowing that your act of kindness makes a big difference so I’m here to encourage you all to come at the Medicare Plus and we’ll have free snacks.”
Ljay Wade, Reporter: Those interested in donating can contact 612-0343 or visit Medicare Plus Pharmacy on Friday. Reporting for Love News, LJ Wade.
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