Mount Olive Lodge hosts successful blood drive

Mar 27, 2016 News

—30 units of blood collected
The Mount Olive Lodge, in collaboration with the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS), hosted a

Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder donating the gift of life.

successful blood drive yesterday, at the Lodge’s Carmichael Street, Georgetown location which saw the donation of 30 units of blood.
Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder; President of the Lodge, Trevor Meredith and Dr. Clement McEwan of the Davis Memorial Hospital were among those who donated blood.
Dr. McEwan explained that blood is the “ultimate” gift of life. He said that blood is needed worldwide in hospitals every day.
“It is to maintain and support blood volumes in patients who suffer significant trauma as a result of accidents or gunshot wounds, and even mothers who are pregnant and may go into labour and have a C-Section…and who may have severe complications and end up with blood loss.”
The doctor also encouraged persons to donate blood voluntarily to continue to provide it to hospitals. He explained that people can give blood every two months once they are healthy because the blood volume is replaced within 24 hours.
“And the actual red blood cells are replaced in 30-42 days. It is for those reasons that one can afford to give blood every two months.” Dr. McEwan, who is also a member of the Lodge, said that there are many benefits to giving blood. He stated that it helps to generate new blood red cells. According to the doctor, you can have an increase in red blood cells four to six weeks after giving a pint of blood.
“We have generally eight to eleven units of blood in our system. So basically what we are giving is one tenth of that amount.” He stated that one unit of blood can serve three to four patients who are in need because the blood is fractionated into different parts.

Members of the Lodge and officials from the NBTS at the Lodge.

“There is the liquid part (the plasma) which can serve some patients in need of important factors in that plasma…there are the solid elements (like the red blood cells) which provide oxygen for patients who have had a huge blood lost…and then there are the platelets which is the other solid element…which helps patients who have bleeding.”
Meredith shared sentiments similar to those of the doctor. He said that the blood drive is with keeping with the pillars of the Lodge. He added that the Lodge has been hosting two blood drives annually for the past three years.
Meredith stated that the Mount Olive Lodge will continue to give back to society through different ways. He said that the organization have contributed towards the maintenance of the Uncle Eddie’s Home and have also been assisting the children of the Sophia Care Centre.
Last December, the Lodge hosted its first Christmas party for children of the centre. Each child was treated to a hot meal, along with other delicacies. They all received a gift at the end and danced joyfully to a number of Christmas tunes.
He exclaimed that yesterday’s turnout was overwhelming and added that every unit of blood received was significant towards saving lives. (Feona Morrison)