The Guyana International Relief Organization (GIRO) has helped to make the blood bank at the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) richer by raising145 units through three donation drives.
Deputy Chief Executive Officer of GIRO, Zaman Yusuff told Stabroek News that the blood drives were held within one week at Zeeburg, West Coast Demerara; Providence, East Bank Demerara and Britannia, West Coast Berbice.
He said GIRO, an arm of the Guyana Islamic Trust was aiming to raise over 60 units at each of the areas but many of the persons who had indicated an interest in donating were either unable to go or changed their minds in the end.
He said too that some persons, mostly women, who turned up to give blood had to be deferred because they suffered from low blood pressure or their hemoglobin level was low.
Yusuff who has experience in healthy eating is urging the women to eat more iron-rich food and not to overcook their vegetables.
The blood drives were organized as part of the activities to observe the annual Islam Awareness Week held throughout the country from April 11 to 18.
At the event held at Zeeburg on April 13 from 3 pm, Yusuff said 41 units of blood were acquired while on April 17 at Providence, 54 units were raised. At West Coast Berbice on April 18, 50 units were collected.
According to Yusuff, the process would be ongoing and he is hoping to have at least three blood drives per year. He pointed out that one is expected to be held at D’ Edward, West Berbice at the end of June at the request of some of the donors.
He is encouraging persons to come out and support the noble effort, noting that not only would they be saving lives but their bodies would regenerate new blood cells which make them healthier.
National Coordinator of the NBTS Shameeza Mangal thanked the donors and collaborators who contributed to the three blood drives hosted by GIRO. She was happy that it was done in collaboration with community participation.
She said the response was “overwhelming,” especially since the drives were held for the first time in the three areas and she was “very pleased with the success stories.”
Some of the donors told this newspaper they were happy to be part of the blood drives and felt good after donating. According to one man, “I think if everybody donates a unit of blood Guyana won’t be short; there would be enough in case of major accidents.”
