Health fair held in observance of World Blood Donors Day

Georgetown, GINA, June 10, 2016

The Ministry of Public Health in collaboration with the National Blood Transfusion Service today held an interactive health fair in observance of World Blood Donors Day. The fair was held on the Lamaha Railway embankment.

Acting Director, of the National Blood Transfusion Service, Pedro Lewis, speaking to media operatives, said that the main reason for the fair was to recognize donors.  “Everybody knows that blood cannot be replicated. Scientists are working on something but as for now, there is nothing that can replace blood,” Lewis said

According to Lewis, there is proof that voluntary donors are the safest. “Those are the people that we rely on to support our patients who are in need of blood” he said.

Francis Wright, a first time blood donor who volunteered to give blood at the health fair said that he thinks it is a good initiative taken by the Ministry. “It’s nice to know that they have decided to come in the outdoors whereby people can feel more free and have access to the service… you can stop by anytime now as they are out here. They want to make you feel special so it’s nice to know,” Wright said.

Another donor, Sandra Campbell, believes that donating blood is good thing to do. “I think it’s a very healthy process in giving blood,” Campbell stated.

The health fair also featured the Guyana Red Cross Association. First Aid Instructor, Mark Smith, noted that the Guyana Red Cross Association is collaborating with the Ministry of Public Health, to help raise awareness on the benefits of donating blood.

In addition, blood testing, testing for diabetes and checking of blood pressure were also facilitated. A number of health fairs will also to be held countrywide throughout the year.

World Blood Donors Day will be observed internationally on June 14, 2016 under the theme, “Blood Connects Us All.”