COORDINATOR of the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS), Ms. Shameeza Mangal has challenged members of the public to make voluntary donation one of their New Year resolutions and give the gift of life.
She said the importance of becoming a donor should not be underestimated, because it could mean the life of another individual.
Mangal spoke after NBTS was able to garner 41 units Wednesday and 27 units on Thursday, of last week.
“There have been improvements in the collection but it needs to be consistent,” she said.
According to her, calling back previous donors has been a successful way to ensure that needed blood is collected.
“We need more partners, churches and organisations, to come on board with us. We are willing to facilitate sensitisation sessions. They just have to indicate that they will partner with us,” Mangal said.
She informed that, in the past year, the local health sector has advanced, with open heart surgery among other new services, all of which have seen the increased demand for blood.
Mangal said, in its drive to attract more voluntary donors, some progress has been made in stopping the practice of family replacements, through which members are under pressure when a kin is in need of blood.
Meanwhile, volunteer givers are welcomed at all five sites nationwide, NBTS headquarters in Georgetown, West Demerara Regional, New Amsterdam, Suddie and Linden hospitals.
Persons requiring further information can call telephone number 227-0418.