KINGSTON, Jamaica — The I Have A Heart Foundation (iHAH) has achieved its largest blood collection to date, which is estimated to save around 228 lives.

In partnership with Margin to Centre (M2C), the foundation hosted its 13th Blood Drive on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Emancipation Park in Kingston. The event recorded 76 units of blood donated from 111 registered patrons.

At one point during the drive, turnout was so high that the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) briefly ran out of blood bags and had to replenish supplies on-site. The achievement makes this the largest collection in the foundation’s history and the second highest for the NBTS since the start of the year.

Founder and Managing Director of iHAH, Abi-Gaye Smythe, said the turnout reflected a growing awareness of the importance of blood donation and the community’s willingness to contribute to saving lives.

“Through the foundation, our goal is improving lives one heart at a time,” Smythe said. “With blood being in constant demand and oftentimes in low supply, this record-breaking turnout shows that more people are ready and willing to give the gift of life, both for others and themselves.”

Co-founder of M2C, Dr Samantha Johnson, said the collaboration was a natural fit, especially given the need for blood donations among women.

“This collaboration with the iHAH Foundation was our first, and certainly not our last,” Dr Johnson said. “Margin to Centre remains committed to improving access to quality healthcare for marginalised women, and initiatives like this directly support that goal.”

The foundation has collected a total of 354 units of blood to date, enough to save approximately 1,062 lives.

While the next iHAH blood drive was originally scheduled for September 2026, the foundation is now exploring an earlier date next year in response to overwhelming community support.

The success of the 13th drive was made possible through partnerships with several sponsors, including All Power Limited, Building Trendz Limited, Visual Vibe, Sweat Equity Holdings, Juici Patties, FESGAS, Wisynco, City Plumbing Hardware, Heaven in a Jar by Laura Sade, CashWiz, Boasy Bikers, and Catalyst Innovation.

Smythe expressed gratitude to the sponsors, volunteers and donors who continue to make the initiative a success, noting that each pint of blood collected represents a life saved and a stronger, more caring Jamaica.