Blood donors celebrated on annual world day

(CNS): The HSA is celebrating everyone who participates in saving lives as blood donors this week to mark World Blood Donor Day on Thursday. This year blood donors throughout the world are being honoured, with the World Health Organisation theme highlighting the fact that ‘Every blood donor is a hero’. “Celebrating the act of blood donation is important because, put simply, it saves lives,” says H.S.A. CEO Lizzette Yearwood. “Around the world there is a critical need for blood donation…This is certainly true for us in Cayman where our hospitals rely on blood donation to assist in their daily practice of saving lives.”

Throughout the world various countries will be organising a variety of events and activities to celebrate this important day, from football matches to free concerts, when blood donors will be recognised for their vital contribution.

Yearwood added that people who give blood are heroes.

“Blood donors come from all walks of life, all ethnicities, religions and ages. It is through their selfless donation that the lives of countless patients have been saved.  We believe that the theme of this year’s campaign by WHO is extremely fitting because in our minds, as medical practitioners, every blood donor is indeed a hero and we sincerely thank them,” she said.

The HSA encourages all Cayman residents who are able, to give blood at the Cayman Islands Hospital.   “We are sincerely grateful to our regular donors who may donate dozens of times in their lifetime and we especially encourage young people to come and donate for the first time,” Yearwood added.