World Blood Donor Day
Friday, June 17, 2016
by Kingsley Emmanuel
The International American University organized at a blood donor drive in observation of World Blood Donor Day.

Country Program Specialist of the World Health Organization (WHO), Valarie Beach-Home, has called on Saint Lucians to become blood donors.

She made the appeal at a blood donor drive organized by the International American University College of Medicine (IAU)  in collaboration with the Blood Bank Services of Saint Jude and Victoria hospitals in observation of World Blood Donor Day.

Home said the goal of the Americas is that by 2019, the blood supply in all these countries be 100 percent from voluntary unpaid donors.

“The onus is on all of us who are capable to become blood donors today. There are 40 countries in the Americas who still depend on family donors, and even paid donors. In the Americas, particularly in our region, only 11 countries have achieved this goal.

"In many countries, demand exceeds supply, and blood services face the challenge of making sufficient blood available, while ensuring its quality and safety. An inadequate supply can only be assured through regular blood donations by voluntary unpaid donors. WHO’s goal is for all countries to obtain blood supplies from voluntary donors by 2020."

IAU Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Patrick J. Gannon outlined the importance of the event and called on Saint Lucians to donate blood willingly.

“You never know when you will need someone to donate blood to you,” Gannon said. "This should not be the only reason why one should donate blood. It should be done for the common good." Gannon was the first in line to donate blood that day.

Sibi Gopalakrishnan, IAU Public Relations Officer said the activity first started in 2008, and has improved over the years. At a previous IAU event, 63 units of blood were donated, making it the highest number ever donated in a single event in Saint Lucia.

The theme for World Blood Donor Day is “Blood Connects Us All.” It focuses on thanking blood donors, highlights the dimension of sharing and connection between donors and patients, and aims to motivate blood donors and those in good health to donate.

Ministry Officials

  • Hon. Joachim Henry / Minister
  • Dr. Charmaine Emmanuel / Permanent Secretary
  • Mrs. Celia Arthur / Deputy Permanent Secretary (Ag.)