St Kitts and Nevis: Health Ministry extends opening hours of blood bank at JNF hospital

St Kitts and Nevis: The opening hours of the blood bank at the JNF General Hospital have increased from 8 am to 4 pm every day, Monday to Friday, aiming to foster greater community involvement in blood donation. The Ministry of Health of St Kitts and Nevis shared the update on the increment of the opening hours. 

The Health Ministry also asked the public that donations can also be made after the opening hours. The Ministry urged eligible individuals to donate blood regularly so that it could be used timely to save the lives of the people. 

As per recent statistics, the donation of blood has not been made in a satisfactory amount. Health Ministry asked the individuals to donate it regularly to ensure a regular supply of blood in the hospital. 

Director of Health Institutions- Dr Jenson Morton said that a blood donation is a powerful act of kindness that helps save up to three lives. By donating it regularly, donors can ensure a stable supply of blood in the hospitals for those who need it in an emergency. 

In order to increase the supply, the Ministry of Health has also launched a nationwide, large-scale blood donation campaign to raise awareness about blood donation among corporate and community partners. The work of the initiative will feature the setting up of the donation schedule for participating groups and increase the supply of blood related products to the community. 

The government will target the different groups/organizations/ over a two-week period for each group. In order to ensure the continuous supply of blood, the groups would be placed in a national drive annual roster for the same group to be targeted annually at around the same time every year. 

The Ministry of Health outlined that various groups have agreed to join the campaign and nodded to donate blood regularly. Various cabinet ministers and the government of St Kitts and Nevis will also participate in the blood drive on Friday, February 10, 2023.

Further, the Health Ministry also encouraged individuals to schedule an appointment to donate blood today. Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew stated that individuals have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of others. He also encouraged people to donate blood to ensure a constant supply. 

While announcing directions, the Health Ministry asserted that people who are 17 or more than that should donate blood, and they must be in generally good health.