Blood Bank Needs Your Blood

It’s an appeal that is made from time to time when someone is in need of blood – to go and donate blood. And the request this time is as genuine as in previous times. There is an urgent need for this life-saving fluid. And from what the records show, the number of female donors has dropped significantly low. News Five’s Marion Ali stopped by the Belize National Blood Transfusion Service at its new location in Belize City today. Here’s that report.

Marion Ali, Reporting

There’s an urgent need for blood donors to come forward and donate their blood. The Belize National Blood Transfusion Service is in short supply of the life-saving fluid and Supervisor Adrian Martinez explains why.

Adrian Martinez

Adrian Martinez, Blood Bank Supervisor

“We’re seeing that there’s a decline with the donations when it comes to females. Before COVID it was at forty-five to fifty-two percentage but at this moment there’s a great decrease when it comes to the female population. The females are around eighteen percent.”

Marion Ali

“Why do you think that is?”

Adrian Martinez

“Well, it’s probably because of the impact of COVID and then the information is not like – we get to the new normal after COVID, so we need to try to readjust or just get the information.”

Jose Torres stumbled upon the appeal online and decided to become a donor today. He said that it’s the least he could do to help the cause.

Jose Torres

Jose Torres, Blood Donor

“It comes down to me playing a part in society because blood is very important, especially with a lot of accidents that happen.”

For many, the entire process is unappealing because they are averse to needles and seeing their blood. But Torres said there’s an easy solution to that issue.

Jose Torres

“You could just look away, it’s like when you do your lab tests, some people decide to look away when they put in the needle but if you want, go ahead and do it. It doesn’t hurt that much.”

Philip Ramsey, on the other hand, has repeatedly shared his blood with others who need it.

Voice of: Philip Ramsey

Voice of: Philip Ramsey, Blood Drive Coordinator, Red Cross Society, San Pedro

“We’ve been getting requests, tremendous amount of requests and so we know and see the demand and the need for blood to be donated. And we are noticing that we are getting more requests for blood than we are getting in blood. The only time we hear from these people is when they want and need the blood.”

For people who go to the Blood Bank’s new address, your point of contact will be Nurse Doreen Madrill, who will do the honours after your paperwork has been processed. She says only some people can donate blood.

Doreen Madrill

Doreen Madrill, Phlebotomist

“People who are hypertensive sometimes we do say we’re hypertensive but they’re not on any medication. They can donate blood, but if you’re on medication, now you’re advised not to take your medication, probably depending on what you’re taking for seventy-two hours, and sometimes some people’s medication is out. You’re not able to donate, depending on the condition that you have.”

Marion Ali

“What about people who have tattoos, can they donate blood?”

Doreen Madrill

“Oh, yes man. People with tattoos can donate. The tattoo must be twelve months and older. If the tattoo is less than twelve months, you’re unable to.”

If you decide you’re going to donate blood, you’re also advised to not consume anything four hours prior to the procedure.  Marion Ali for News Five.