The second annual National Blood Drive Day organised by local Freemasons is set for this Saturday, November 30, 2024, and Jamaicans are being urged to donate as doing so can make a huge difference to someone else’s life, or may even save one’s own life.

As was done last year, blood collection centres at National Chest Hospital, 36 Barbican Road, St Andrew; and Cornwall Regional Hospital, Mount Salem, Montego Bay; will be open for donations between the hours of 9:00 am and 3:00 pm.

The drive has been endorsed by Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton who has repeatedly urged Jamaicans who can donate to do so.

“We need to regularise giving blood in Jamaica as a life-saving essential activity, particularly in high-trauma society like ours,” Tufton told the Jamaica Observer on Monday.

“I commend the Freemasons for this initiative and encourage persons to give,” he added.

The local Freemason community comprises three constitutions — Scottish, English, and Irish.

Dr Courtney King Palmer, district grand master of the local Scottish constitution, pointed to the importance of donating blood.

“There is no better way to practice benevolence and charity than by donating blood. Blood is life for everyone and is arguably the ultimate gift of one human to another,” Dr Palmer said, pointing out that Freemasonry believes strongly in benevolence and charity.

Head of the English constitution, District Grand Master Thomas Charles Smith, agreed, saying, “The symbiotic relationship between our districts augurs extremely well for Jamaica, demonstrated in our coming together in support of this important initiative.”

Peter Stuart, head of the Irish constitution, hailed the partnership as a “big deal” for Jamaica, Jamaicans who are in need of the life-saving fluid and, of course, Freemasonry .

The National Blood Transfusion Service has consistently appealed to Jamaicans to donate blood, especially at this time of year demand tends to increase due to accidents and related trauma.

It was in recognition of that reality that the Freemasons decided to make the blood drive an annual event, knowing that it can only redound to the well-being of the nation and its people.