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General Accident, Chain of Hope partner to save young lives

Published:Wednesday | June 14, 2023 | 12:28 AM
National Blood Transfusion Service representative Tanika Dewar-Taffe (left) explains the blood donation process to Musson Foundation Chairperson Melanie Subratie (second left); General Accident Insurance Company (GenAc) CEO Sharon Donaldson (second right),
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National Blood Transfusion Service representative Tanika Dewar-Taffe (left) explains the blood donation process to Musson Foundation Chairperson Melanie Subratie (second left); General Accident Insurance Company (GenAc) CEO Sharon Donaldson (second right), while GenAc Motor Underwriting Supervisor Wendy Clarke-Gayle donates during the GenAc Blood Drive, held on June 15, 2022, at 58 Half-Way Tree Road.

CHILDREN AWAITING heart surgery at the Bustamante Hospital for Children will see their chances improve as General Accident Jamaica (GenAc), the National Blood Transfusion Service and Chain of Hope join forces to provide life-saving donations of blood through GenAc’s third annual blood drive.

This year’s blood drive, hosted in honour of World Blood Donor Day, will take place on June 16 at the insurer’s headquarters in Kingston.

Stationed at the Bustamante Hospital, Chain of Hope Ja is an organisation coordinating free surgical missions at the hospital’s cardiac centre throughout the year. The availability of blood is critical to the success of most cardiac surgeries.

Excited to learn of the work General Accident and the National Blood Transfusion Service have been doing for the past two years, consultant cardiothoracic surgeon at the Bustamante Hospital, Dr Sherard Little, explained the impact the blood drive will have on children facing serious health challenges.

“There are over 150 children on the wait list for surgery. Our goal is to facilitate at least six surgeries during this June surgical mission. Three to five units of blood are needed for each surgery. We are therefore very excited to partner with General Accident in this activity, as it allows us to confidently schedule cardiac surgery at the hospital,” Dr Little said.

Through the annual blood drive, GenAc aims to raise awareness about the ongoing need for blood donations and inspire individuals to join the cause. The theme of this year’s blood drive is ‘Save a Life’.

“Our annual blood drive is a testament to GenAc’s commitment to community well-being. Through this initiative, we aim to educate individuals about the immense impact a single blood donation can have on the lives of others,” said Sharon Donaldson, managing director of General Accident.

GenAc invites the public, employees, and their families to participate in this significant event. The blood drive will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (registration ends at 4:30 p.m.) at the GenAc offices at 58 Half-Way Tree Road, Kingston, on June 16.

Individuals are encouraged to make appointments online at www.calendly.com/genacja in advance to ensure a smooth experience for all participants. Join General Accident Jamaica in giving the gift of life at the annual blood drive.