NBTS to Include Children in Activities for World Blood Donor Day

The National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) is seeking to change the mindset of youth toward giving blood, and will include students from various schools islandwide in the activities for World Blood Donor Day, to be observed on June 14.

Director of the NBTS, Dr. Angella Scott, said this is being done to diffuse the fear among Jamaicans about donating blood, and for them to become more comfortable in giving blood.

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Dr. Scott was addressing a JIS ‘Think Tank’, held at the agency’s head office in Kingston, on June 4.

“We have included children from primary age and we hope having seen the day’s proceedings, hearing of the need for blood donations as well as testimonials from repeat voluntary donors, that they will themselves become our next generation of heroes,” she said.

The Director added that several primary schools from across the island have been invited to the official ceremony to be held at Emancipation Park on June 14.

“A few schools have already confirmed their attendance to this year’s event and we are expecting a great turn out and support from the schools,” Dr. Scott said.

This year’s observation of World Blood Donor Day is being spearheaded locally by the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), under the theme: ‘Give the Gift of Life: Donate Blood’.

Addressing the fear that many children have of needles and blood, Dr. Scott explained that certain activities will be tailored specifically with children in mind.

“This year we will air a special five-minute docu-feature where the children can listen to a repeat voluntary donor as well as a recipient, to get an understanding of the great need for donors,” the Director said.

Dr. Scott pointed out that the children will be able to witness persons donating blood and then leaving “healthy, normal and happy”.

Contact: Sanasha Pearson