Blood Bank surpasses 2017 target

At New Amsterdam

The New Amsterdam Blood Bank has accumulated 1325 units of blood thus far for the year 2017. With numerous outreaches and blood drives throughout the region, the Blood Bank was able to surpass its target of 1200 units (assigned by the Berbice Regional Health Services) by 125 units.

A donor being prepped to contribute his unit of blood

Adding to this year’s count was the Skeldon Public Hospital, which held its final blood drive for the year on December 15, according to the Department of Public Information (DPI). Blood pressure and sugar testing were also conducted as part of the exercise. According to the Doctor-in-Charge of the Skeldon Hospital and District Medical Officer Ryan Campbell, this blood drive was the largest held at the hospital for this year.

Regional Health Services Director, Jevaughn Stephen

Doctor Campbell noted that donating blood every three months was beneficial to an individual’s health.  He explained that contributing regularly reduced the blood viscosity, which in turn eliminates the iron that may possibly oxidise in the blood. An increase in oxidative stress can be damaging to your cardiovascular system. Therefore, blood donation reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Director of Regional Health Services, Jevaughn Stephen, after donating, remarked that the process was relatively short, simple and easy.  A frequent donor, Stephen said he felt good about being able to help save lives. He is encouraging others to consider donating blood in an effort to save lives.

Doctor-in-Charge of the Skeldon Public Hospital, Dr Ryan Campbell

The Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) Blood Donor Organiser Candy Archer explained that with every organisation, hospital, group and individual that supports the Blood Bank not only assists them to reach its target but also helps to save lives. Archer further explained that the needs of Region Six fall in the range of 300 to 400 units of blood yearly, so the remainder of the blood garnered through blood drives is dispatched to the National Blood Bank, where it is stored and distributed to other regions in need.

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