The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net 

The call for Bahamians to donate blood in order to save lives resulted in scores of people filling up the chairs during the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity’s annual blood drive at the Mall at Marathon last weekend.

The Iota Epsilon Lambda chapter of the fraternity, in conjunction with the Princess Margaret Hospital Blood Bank, appealed to all potential donors to give blood. The group was determined to collect at least 30 pints of blood to help replenish the dwindling supplies. 

“We know that there is a need for blood in the country, so every year we make it our aim to go out and get persons to donate blood,” said fraternity member Xavier Simms.

“This year, we partnered with Princess Margaret Hospital Blood Bank, and their staff came out willingly to assist us with this effort. We also have a health expo where we had medical and fitness professionals give their expertise to those who needed their assistance.”

Some of those professionals included the Bahamas Medical Centre Biometirc Station, Atlantic Medical’s Wellness Division, Wolf Fitness and others.

Mr Simms said the turnout for the blood drive was “excellent” and surpassed the organisation’s expectations. 

The blood drive comes at very critical time when PMH Blood Bank is experiencing a serious deficit. Last year, 3,954 units were accepted at PMH, but 12,487 were needed. 

Glenville Roberts, of the PMH Blood Bank, encouraged all those who can to donate.

“Some people need blood due to surgery, some people need blood because they are anaemic and we have been trying to get people educated on giving blood. The slogan that we use is, ‘Give Blood to Save a Life, Because the Very Next Life Could Be Yours’. So when you are giving blood you are helping people to sustain and live a longer life, and at the same time you are giving off the old to get the new,” he said.  

A regular blood donor, Ianthe Kemp once again gave blood during the Alpha Phi Alpha event. She admitted that while she is intimidated by the needle, she knows that her donation can save a life, maybe even hers. 

“There are people that are in need of it that is why I do it. I give blood every six months,” said Ms Kemp.

She also had some words of encouragement for those who may be nervous to donate.

“Some people are afraid of needles, but so am I. The needles do not hurt at all, and I am a very dramatic person. They make you feel very comfortable and it is over and done before you even know it,” she said.

The PMH Blood Bank is open Monday to Friday, from 8am to 8pm, and on Saturday from 9am to 4pm. Donors are required to eat a meal and then come in about 40 minutes later.