The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

HEALTH officials in Grand Bahama are urgently appealing for blood donations as Rand Memorial Hospital struggles to meet the rising demand for transfusions.

Adelecia Campbell, administrative manager at Grand Bahama Health Services, urged the public to donate as soon as possible, emphasising that the hospital’s blood bank is unable to keep up with the increasing number of requests. She said that hospital staff frequently issue calls for donations, particularly on social media, to help patients in critical need of transfusions.

“The number of appeals has noticeably risen compared to last year,” she said. She stressed that all blood types are needed, as the hospital simply requires more donations to meet demand.

Claudia Glinton, laboratory manager at GBHS, explained that blood donations are typically used within a week of being collected, well before their 35-day expiration. She noted that the demand is constant, with donations going toward patients with kidney disease, cancer, anaemia, and women giving birth.

“Our community always needs donors,” she said, adding that one pint of blood can help save up to three lives.

Rand Memorial Hospital’s lab operates from 10am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. While the facility is closed on weekends and holidays, Ms Glinton assured that special arrangements can be made for groups wanting to donate on weekends.

“We don’t want to turn anyone away,” she said, encouraging groups to reach out if they want to schedule a donation.

She also reminded donors to eat before donating, clarifying that fasting—common for other types of bloodwork—is not necessary.

Despite awareness efforts through flyers and posters, Ms Glinton acknowledged that the response rate remains low. She suggested that fear may deter some people from donating, but stressed that a continuous supply would prevent the frequent urgency surrounding donations.

Meanwhile, Central Grand Bahama MP Iram Lewis announced a blood drive in honour of his birthday on May 3. He encouraged others born on that date to celebrate with him by donating blood at Rand Memorial Hospital or bringing a gift.