With the successful staging of the “One Love, One Blood” Donation Drive on May 30, the Mandeville Regional Hospital is encouraged to continue the process of changing the culture of blood donation through several initiatives.

Some of the plans that the Hospital will undertake include an analysis of the Blood Drive to make plans for the future; modification of the opening hours and additional staffing of its Blood Collection Centre; renovation to the existing Blood Unit with consideration for an improved and larger site for a future Blood Bank in addition to continued public education.

CEO for the Mandeville Regional Hospital, Alwyn Miller explained that the Hospital’s primary focus is changing the present culture of blood donation in the parish and by extension Jamaica with the aim of persons becoming voluntary and regular donors.

“We want to build the capacity of the Blood Collection Centre through additional staffing and human resources in addition to the extension of its opening hours. The change in hours is to accommodate blood donations beyond traditional work hours and during lunch time. The hours have been modified to 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. from its original hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.” Mr. Miller explained.

Chairman of the Southern Regional Health Authority Board, Mr. Wayne Chen in highlighting the importance of blood in saving lives appealed to persons to put aside fear and indifference and make regular blood donation their responsibility. Mr. Chen who is a regular blood donor made his donation on the day.

Over 150 units of blood were collected at the event.