– Marian Academy brings in 134 units in blood drive
HEALTH institutions are in constant need of blood and to aid in acquiring this vital element, private and public sector organisations have been hosting blood drives.
Marian Academy counts as one of the top 10 institutions which attract new and potential donors, particularly youths, who are expected to donate blood regularly.
The institution’s drive Friday brought in 134 units of blood. Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, while interacting with the participants, noted that the acquisition of new blood donors is important since there is a need for 10,000 regular blood donors to ensure the availability of 12,000 units of blood every year. It is critical for Guyana to reach this goal as soon as possible due to increasing health services which require blood.
It is hoped that in 2011 the health sector will achieve the required 10,000 units of blood. Last year, the Blood Bank’s goal was to obtain 9000 donors, however about 8000 units of blood was acquired.
It has been estimated that for 10,000 units to be achieved, 12,000 people would have to donate blood yearly. On a monthly basis, 800 units of blood are needed; however January’s total fell short by 100 units.
Importantly, over the last five years, the number of donors has increased by 100 percent. Persons in the 25 -45 age group are the main blood donors, while it has been observed that the 17 -25 years old group is increasing.
Interestingly, persons 65 years old and above, who were not previously allowed to give blood, can also do so, particularly if that person is a regular donor. For first timers, approval has to be given from the individual’s doctor.
Administrator of the Health Ministry’s Blood Bank, Shameeza Mangal, pointed out that in Guyana, emphasis is placed on attracting volunteer and unpaid donors.
The execution of blood drives forms the base for the majority of blood donated to the Blood Bank, allowing the institution to have a sufficient stock of blood to supply both the public and private hospitals.  (GINA)