‘Your blood donation saved me’

WHEN ANAKAY Montaque, 59, speaks about the power of blood, she is not referring to faith alone. She is talking about the literal, lifesaving kind, the type selflessly donated by strangers, coursing through her veins and giving her a second chance at life.

“I believe in the power of Jesus’ blood to save,” she said softly. “And I also believe in the power of donated blood because it saved me.”

Her voice trembled as 20 years’ memories came flooding in. “I was rushed to the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH) because of a gunshot wound to my chest. My children told me that I lost a lot of blood, and I had slipped into a coma. I came very close to death’s door!”

“I was unconscious,” she recalled, tears forming. “But God is amazing. The blood was available just in time for the surgery. That’s what kept me alive.”

Now employed at the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS), Montaque shared her testimony during a blood drive hosted by Andrews Memorial Hospital Limited (AMH) on April 24.

“It is your blood donation that saved my life,” she declared, thanking all who continue to donate blood over the years. “I am living proof.”

This year, World Blood Donor Day is officially recognised on June 14 under the theme ‘Give Blood, Give Hope, Together We Save Lives’. For the past seven years, AMH has partnered with NBTS during its annual Laboratory Week in April to conduct blood drives and raise awareness of the importance of blood donation.

“Our collaborations with Andrews Memorial Hospital Limited have been consistent, and I’m happy to continue this partnership,” said Igol Allen, blood donor organiser with the NBTS, a division of the Ministry of Health and Wellness.

Allen stressed, “Any donation is highly appreciated because we are currently meeting only about 50 per cent of the demand for blood,” he explained. “You can imagine what happens to those who are unable to get transfusions, not because we don’t want to help, but because we simply don’t have enough.”

He continued, “We only need about two per cent of the population to donate once a year. That would give us 60,000 units annually, enough to make a real difference.”

For Phillip Williams, business development officer at AMH, donating blood is a deeply personal act. “I remember when my mother needed blood, but by the time I donated, she had already passed. It’s been 15 years, but the memory is still fresh. I make it my responsibility to donate at least once a year, knowing it can save lives.”

NBTS maintains that donors must be in good health, between the ages of 17 and 60, and weigh at least 110 pounds. Although eligible individuals can donate every three months, each potential donor is screened to ensure safety, and all donations are tested to minimise the risk of disease transmission.

Dr Dayne Williams, medical supervisor for Outpatient, Accident and Emergency Services at AMH, who also donated blood, offered insight into why blood donation remains so crucial.

“Blood serves several vital functions, including transporting oxygen and nutrients, forming clots to stop bleeding, and removing metabolic waste. However, during surgeries, childbirth, or in cases of trauma, the demand for blood can increase rapidly, often with little warning.”

While research into artificial blood substitutes is ongoing, Dr Williams said that real blood donations remain the most reliable option. “One unit of blood, typically 350 to 450 millilitres, can be separated into three components: red cells, plasma, and platelets. Each component serves a unique medical purpose.”

Concurring with Dr Williams, Charmaine Blythe, assistant laboratory manager at AMH, emphasised during the blood drive that one donation can save up to three lives. “Our team, in collaboration with NBTS, ensures that all donations are carefully processed and stored. During each drive, donors are thoroughly screened and monitored. After donating, they receive souvenir items and refreshments to help them recover.”

She added, “We encourage the public not to wait for a special occasion to donate. The National Blood Bank accepts donors from Mondays to Fridays. Just give them a call.”

Dyhann Buddoo-Fletcher