ON Saturday, May 3, Kiwanians from three Divisions (25, 23 East and 23 Central) and volunteers came together under the tagline ‘Be a Lifeline: Donate Blood Today’ to lend support to the National Blood Bank as they seek to fill the shortfall of 30,000 units of blood.

This island-wide blood donation initiative attracted the support of agencies such as Jamaica AIDS Support for Life, the National Health Fund, and the Diabetes Association of Jamaica who incentivised the process by offering additional services such as screening for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and syphilis, HIV counselling, and know your numbers – blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol, and body mass index checks. Staff and students from the College of Health Sciences, University of Technology, Jamaica provided additional support.

Kiwanis clubs have engaged in blood collection drives with varying degrees of success, over the years. However, the May 3 initiative saw a noticeable turnout, with over 150 supporters. The drive collected over 90 units of blood, making a direct impact on hospitals and patients in need. Each unit of blood has the potential to save as many as three lives, underscoring the critical role of donors in the healthcare system.

Locally there are five Kiwanis Divisions consisting of 88 clubs and approximately 3,000 members, managed by five lieutenant governors. We were inspired by the response of clubs, families, friends and communities, generally. Their willingness to give selflessly is a testament of the power of coming together for a common cause. Initiatives like these further strengthen Kiwanis dedication to improving the world, one child, one community, at a time. In addition, the success of this blood drive highlights the need for regular donations and the incredible impact Kiwanians and the community can make in saving lives.

Kiwanis Divisions 23 Central, 23 East, 23 West, 24, and 25 extended heartfelt thanks to everyone who played a part in the May 3 blood drive. The 5 lieutenant governors endorse and encourage continued involvement in future blood donation drives. This initiative will be ongoing and is reflective of the long-lasting relationship the Kiwanis movement intends to foster with the National Blood Transfusion Service.