The BVI Red Cross recently launched an online blood donor campaign to attract new blood donors.
Ever since the beginning of the pandemic, there has been an overwhelming increasing number of requests for blood donations. In an invited comment, The BVI Red Cross said, “The issue we are facing is not the issue of persons wanting to donate blood but more persons who have the rare blood type that is needed are not coming forward.”
There are 8 main blood types and the rarest of those types are O-Negative, AB positive, and AB Negative. The blood type O negative is usually in short supply because this type is a “universal donor” which means persons with this type of blood can donate blood to anyone but can only receive from another O type.
The organization stated that another challenge is that the BVI population is very small and blood only has a shelf life of 30 days.
COVID 19 and Blood Donations
It is highly advisable for persons who are going to donate blood to report any symptoms to the lab. If you have been diagnosed with a positive COVID-19 test are you asked to wait at least 14 days after recovering before donating blood. Having a COVID 19 vaccine does not restrict anyone from donating blood. Persons can find out more about COVID 19 and blood donations by visiting our website.
Why Donations are needed
Blood donations are critical in everyday medical procedures. Blood donations are not only needed in emergencies but also major medical surgery, treatment of cancer patients, and managing of specific diseases. Every year over 100 million units of blood are donated to save millions across the globe. Members of the public can find out more about blood donation facts and can become a donor by registering online at https://redcross.vg/how-we-help/giveblood/.
The British Virgin Islands Red Cross is a non-profit, volunteer-run, humanitarian organization, and through its many programs provides assistance to persons within the BVI who are in need. The organization is a part of a global voluntary network, responding to conflicts, natural disasters and individual emergencies, whether health or social.