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(CNS): The Cayman Islands Blood Bank sent a critical donation of 51 units of red cells and 72 units of plasma to the National Blood Transfusion Service in Jamaica, Friday. It is the first of several donations to be made to the neighbouring island as part of Cayman’s relief efforts following Hurricane Melissa. The donation was possible the HSA, which runs the bank, said, because of the overwhelming support from the public over the past few days after 65 donors stepped forward to meet an urgent request for blood. This included 13 new donors and represents what officials said was a remarkable increase compared to the usual daily average of 10 or fewer donations. “This extraordinary turnout demonstrates the generosity and solidarity of our community,” said Dr Lundie Richards, Consultant Haematologist-Oncologist at the HSA and lead for blood bank and transfusion services. “As a Jamaican, the support that Cayman has shown has left a profound effect on me. This is truly humanity in one of its greatest forms—the opportunity to give back, give blood, and give Caymankind to our neighbours in need.” He added that collecting “65 pints and one platelet unit in just a couple of days, when our typical daily numbers are under ten, speaks volumes about our donors’ compassion and commitment not only to Cayman but to regional health and well-being.” The blood products, accompanied by Dr Richards, were flown courtesy of Cayman Airways and delivered to Jamaica’s central blood bank for island-wide distribution, while Dr Joseph Marzouca, Jamaica’s Honorary Consul here assisted with coordination, who said he was “deeply touched” by the Cayman donor community’s generosity. The HSA and Blood Bank emphasise that this donation is not a one-off event, but part of a broader effort to strengthen regional health collaboration and emergency preparedness. With the current influx of donors, the Blood Bank will continue in-house collection for now with plans to resume mobile blood drives in the coming weeks once staffing allows. Lizzette Yearwood, Chief Executive Officer at the HSA said it was a lifesaving initiative and the community had stepping ed up in an incredible way. “Our donor community shows what can be achieved when healthcare systems and citizens work together. This is humanitarian leadership in action. I would like to encourage donors not to stop here. The donation already on its way can save at least 120 lives, but the need for ready, willing blood donors remains ongoing, both locally and regionally. Blood has a shelf life of 35 days, so consistent donations are necessary,” she added. Meanwhile, Katherine Ebanks-Wilks, MP, the health minister applauded the donors and everyone involved for turning compassion into action. “Our health systems are stronger when we support each other, and today’s achievement is proof. I encourage anyone in good health who meets the standard eligibility criteria to schedule an appointment with the Cayman Islands Blood Bank and donate, not just for our neighbours in Jamaica who need it, but also for our own community, as maintaining our national blood supply is essential,” she added. The CI Blood Bank, managed by the HSA, provides a full range of blood-banking and transfusion services, including whole blood, platelets, and apheresis-based collections. It has expanded platelet availability and strengthened its transfusion-medicine capacity. The blood bank is located at the government hospital, 95 Hospital Road, George Town and is open Monday to Friday 7am-6:30pm and Saturdays 9am–5pm. Donors should be over 18, be in good health and meet certain criteria. A change of policy allows people who lived in the UK between 1980 and 2001 to now donate as well. To donate blood call 244-2674, email bloodbank@hsa.ky or visit www.bloodbank.ky to learn more.
