The Health Laboratory and Health Promotion teams are set to celebrate World Blood Donor Day on Friday, June 14, 2024. In preparation for this event, a special blood drive will take place on Thursday, June 6, 2024. The teams will visit various locations across the island to promote blood donation and the significance of World Blood Donor Day.
Locations and times for the blood drive include Jamestown Community Centre from 09:30 to 10:30, Longwood Clinic from 11:00 to 11:30, St Helena Airport from 12:00 to 12:30, Levelwood Clinic from 13:00 to 13:30, and Half Tree Hollow Clinic from 14:00 to 14:30.
World Blood Donor Day is celebrated annually on June 14. It aims to raise awareness about the need for safe blood and blood products while expressing gratitude to voluntary donors for their life-saving contributions.
Blood donations play a crucial role in saving lives by aiding those who face accidents, surgeries, medical conditions such as cancer or blood disorders, and chronic illnesses. Additionally, donating blood offers health benefits for donors including improved circulation, balanced iron levels, early detection of potential health issues through screenings, and possibly reduced cancer risk.
During a whole blood donation session, approximately one pint (450ml) of blood is collected. Eligibility for donation depends on one's blood type:
- O+ can donate to O+, A+, B+, AB+
- A+ can donate to A+, AB+
- B+ can donate to B+, AB+
- AB+ can donate only to AB+
Compatibility for receiving blood also varies by type:
- O+ can receive from O+, O-
- A+ can receive from A+, A-, O+, O-
- B+ can receive from B+, B-, O+, O-
- AB+ is a universal recipient
For more information about donating or participating in the event, contact the Laboratory team at telephone number 22500 Ext: 2033 or Ext: 2034 or Ext: 2110. The Health Promotion team is available at telephone number 22500 Ext: 2098 or Ext: 2094.
Alerts Sign-up