THE chronic demand for blood countrywide has resulted in Berbice Regional Health Authority (BRHA) undertaking an innovative live television call-in programme, on which callers are invited to pledge contributions on air. “The response has been good. In one show we were able to get 106 pledges from persons who want to become voluntary donors,” said Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo, Chief Executive Officer of BRHA.
He explained that Little Rock television in Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne) has partnered with BRHA and provided free broadcast time for the initiative.
Mahadeo, expressing his appreciation, said the station has committed at least one hour free, each month, for the next few months.
“Persons are willing to become donors but they need to be sensitised and the air time helps to do so. We let them know that we can come to them, once we have the numbers,” he told the Chronicle.
Mahadeo said, of the commitments already made, several persons have come forward to donate and blood drives are organised to facilitate collection of the remainder.
He announced that 30 units were collected at Sukhpaul’s gas station, Skeldon and three other drives are scheduled, including for Port Mourant, New Amsterdam and at Overwinning Bible Church, East Bank Berbice.
Mahadeo said the effort was well appreciated at the Health Ministry, which is also advancing the cause of voluntary blood donations.
The Health Ministry has been encouraging Guyanese to give and become volunteers through the Good Samaritan programme.
In addition, persons wishing to volunteer are welcome at all five sites nationwide, National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTA) headquarters in Georgetown; West Demerara Regional, New Amsterdam, Suddie and Linden hospitals.