By Trudy Simpson, Staff ReporterA CONTINUOUS appeal for the donation of blood by the National Blood Transfusion Service has not fallen on deaf ears. In the last few weeks, several groups have come forward to assist the Blood Bank by donating the precious fluid.
Today, another group, the Jamaica Labour Party's (JLP) youth arm, Generation 2000 (G2K), will be working with Blood Bank personnel on a collection drive. This exercise is part of the G2K's week-long activities to mark its third anniversary.
According to Mitzie Pratt, G2K's vice-president of social, gender and international affairs, the drive's central point will be at the Life of Jamaica auditorium in New Kingston. The drive will be held between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
"We wanted something that was of social importance. We want people to come in and give blood since we heard that the Blood Bank was short of blood," Ms. Pratt said. "We want to encourage individuals to volunteer, to not be afraid and to come in because what they will be doing is saving a life," she added.
The G2K's help is welcome news for Dr. Lundie Richards, head of the Blood Bank. He expressed his joy at receiving help, not only from the G2K, but from other groups as well.
"We invite all types of partnerships and that is one of the many partnerships that we have," he said.
The Blood Bank has been getting support from Island Grill, the Institute of Chartered Accounts of Jamaica, the security forces, the fire brigade and other groups. He said that the uniformed groups contributed nearly 300 pints in a week after one drive conducted among them.
The G2K's Pratt said that the slogan for today's activities is 'Give blood, save a life'. "It's not just a (political) party thing and it has nothing to do with colour, creed, religion. It's about just coming in and giving blood to help ease the blood shortage. We're hoping that we will get 300 or 400 units but if we get more, it will be great," she said.
G2K members will be giving blood and is inviting other persons to come to the LOJ auditorium on Barbados Avenue or head to various blood collection centres around the island.
Blood donations can be made at the Blood Bank, 21 Slipe Pen Road, Kingston, Mondays to Thursdays between 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. and on Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Persons can also visit the National Chest Hospital on Barbican Road, Mondays to Thursdays from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., on Fridays up to 3:00 p.m. and on Saturdays 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Donations can also be made at the University Hospital of the West Indies in St. Andrew, from Mondays to Fridays 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and on Saturdays 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Persons in other parts of the island should visit blood collection centres at the Cornwall Regional Hospital, Montego Bay, St. James, as well as other regional hospitals in St. Ann's Bay, Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland; Port Antonio, Portland; Spanish Town, St. Catherine; May Pen, Clarendon and Mandeville, Manchester from 8:00 am to 3:00 p.m.
