GRAND BAHAMA, The Bahamas – The Ministry for Grand Bahama and the Grand Bahama 50th Independence Celebrations Committee have joined the Blood Donors Society of Grand Bahama (BDSGB) this year in a national push to encourage residents to donate blood.
June 14th is observed as World Blood Donor Day and as the celebrations on the ‘Road to 50’ continue, Bahamians are asked to give the gift of love and pride and show up in a big way on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at #2 Seventeen Centre.
A ceremony honouring those faithful blood donors will be held at 10:00am, followed by a blood drive from 11:00am – 4:00pm simultaneously in New Providence and Grand Bahama.
COLLAB Program Manager Jacquie Rolle noted the Ministry for Grand Bahama is elated to be able to collaborate with the BDSGB in getting the word out about the need for more blood donation and community partnership.
Grand Bahama Independence Committee Co-Chair Leslie Dorsett-Lewis is encouraging residents to share the love and make the national blood drive truly meaningful.
“Every drop counts and your selfless act can make a huge difference in someone’s life. By donating blood, you’re not only saving lives but also spreading the message of love and community across our island and nation. So call your friends, family and colleagues who might be interested in donating and let’s make this blood drive a monumental success,” she said.
Rand Memorial Hospital Laboratory Manager Claudia Glinton pointed out why it was important to honour and recognize our unsung heroes.
“There are members in our community who have been in need. We have several people who come routinely to us who give, at least three times a year, sometimes more. You can donate as much as four times a year, so we can count on these people to come in and donate whenever we need them,” Glinton said.
She pointed out that screenings will take place on-site to check blood pressure and iron level; those who have had a tattoo for a year or more can donate; and anyone who has been vaccinated for at least two weeks can donate.
Anyone intending to give blood is asked to ensure they have a full meal at least an hour before they come out to donate.
BDSGB President Lededra Marche revealed that prizes will be given out to those who take the ‘Drip Drip Challenge’ as teams can win either the individual or group category. Forms will be available on site.
Wentworth Donaldson of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Sigma Beta Lambda Chapter in Grand Bahama stressed the importance of partnering with the BDSGB for such a vital need in the community and issued a call to all fraternities, sororities, civic and private organizations to come out and give blood.
