To commemorate World Blood Donor Day, the Medical Association is holding a blood drive

On Saturday, June 11, and again on Saturday, June 18, 2022, the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital blood bank staff (MCMH) and the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Medical Association will collaborate to host a specific blood donation drive.

The Association said in a news statement that the drive, which will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the hospital's OutPatient Department, is intended to raise awareness about the need for blood donations as well as encourage people to donate blood at the blood bank.



It's being done to commemorate World Blood Donor Day, which falls on June 14 every year.

World Blood Donor Day, according to the Association, is a method to honour unpaid blood donors for saving lives and to increase worldwide awareness about the need for safe blood and blood products for transfusions.



"The day also highlights the critical role that blood donors play in national health care, helping to save lives and enhance the health of others."



Anyone may participate in these activities, according to the Medical Association, since "our Blood Bank is constantly seeking for donors." People are continually in need of blood to save their lives.

"Rebuild our Registry of regular, loyal donors so that the Blood Bank is kept in full readiness year-round, to maintain ample supplies, and to enable prompt access for any eventuality – such as tragedies and disasters to which our country is so susceptible," the blood drive said.

To be eligible, donors must be at least 17 years old and weigh more than 110 pounds. 

People will be medically examined to determine whether they can give blood right now or at a later date, "since one pint of blood may save the lives of up to three people," according to the American Red Cross.

It expressed appreciation to individuals who have given blood regularly over the years and is encouraging young people to react to the humanitarian call to action by giving blood and encouraging others to do so as well.

"Give blood and keep the globe beating," says the World Health Organization's (WHO) World Blood Donor Day motto for 2022. It is based on a 2005 effort to raise awareness about blood donation that was initiated by the World Health Organization and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.