Mon | Jun 17, 2024

GenAc’s annual blood drive returns with goal of 100 units

Published:Monday | May 27, 2024 | 12:08 AM
Embassy of Cuba in Jamaica Diplomat Anabel Landron Ochoa (left); Nola Phillpotts Brown (centre), manager, fundraising and operations of Chain of Hope; and Keishawna Pinnock, National Blood Transfusion Service blood donor organiser, discuss the impact of bl
Contributed
Embassy of Cuba in Jamaica Diplomat Anabel Landron Ochoa (left); Nola Phillpotts Brown (centre), manager, fundraising and operations of Chain of Hope; and Keishawna Pinnock, National Blood Transfusion Service blood donor organiser, discuss the impact of blood donations at the General Accident Blood Drive which was held at 58 Half Way Tree Road in St Andrew on June 16 last year.

General Accident has announced the return of its Annual Blood Drive and, this year, the goal is to surpass last year’s 55 unit target to collect 100 units of blood.

Scheduled to take place on June 12, the blood drive aims to rally support and make a difference in the lives of those who rely on blood donations.

“Our Annual Blood Drive is a testament to our commitment to community health,” said Sharon Donaldson, managing director of General Accident. “We are excited to rally together once again to make a tangible difference in the lives of those who rely on blood donations for their health and well-being.”

The theme of this year’s blood drive is ‘Donate Blood for a Cause, Help Save Lives’. This theme encapsulates the essence of this noble cause and underscores the impact that each blood donation can have on saving lives. Donors can rest assured that donating blood is safe, easy, and incredibly rewarding. First-time donors will be guided through the process by experienced nurses and will be supported by their peers throughout the experience.

The proceeds from this year’s blood drive will go directly to the Chain of Hope Foundation, supporting their efforts to provide vital medical assistance to those in need.

“We are most appreciative of the partnership between Chain of Hope Jamaica and General Accident in hosting this drive, as we need this precious commodity in the process of providing hope and critical care to heart-sick kids,” shared Nola Phillpots Brown, general manager of Chain of Hope.

“So far, for 2024, in our dedicated Cardiac Centre, at Bustamante Children’s hospital, over 40 children have had heart procedures that needed blood from the Blood Bank. Their stock needs to be replenished. Five other cardiac missions are planned for this year, each requiring up to 40 units of blood during which a child might need up to five units of blood. This blood drive is therefore critical to us. It allows us to collect blood to supplement the blood supplies at the blood bank, so that when the cardiac team calls for blood, they can respond,” Phillpots Brown added.

“We encourage everyone to invite their friends and family members to join us in this noble cause,” added Donaldson. “Together, we can make a significant impact and help save lives.”

Individuals are encouraged to make appointments in advance to ensure a smooth experience for all participants. Appointments can be made online at www.calendly.com/genacja. Free parking will also be made available to individuals who attend.