Blood Donors honoured at NBTS ceremony

Jun 18, 2016 News

The National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) held a blood drive in honour of World Blood Donors

Minister Karen Cummings during her address at the NBTS ceremony

day on June 14 under the theme “Blood Connects Us All”, continuing in this vein, the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) held a simple ceremony, yesterday, to honour persons and organizations that have been ardent donors of blood over the years.
Speakers at this ceremony included Minister within the Ministry of Public Health Dr. Karen Cummings, Director (Ag) of the NBTS Dr. Pedro Lewis, PAHO/WHO representative Dr. Paul Edwards.
Dr. Pedro Lewis said that blood donors’ play an integral role in saving countless lives in Guyana and that there has been an increase in voluntary blood donations throughout Guyana. He noted especially, that PAHO/WHO has been on board with the NBTS from the onset.
At the beginning of his address, PAHO/WHO representative Dr. Edwards noted that Dr. William Adu-Krow sent his regards and apologies for not being able to attend the ceremony.
Dr. Edwards lauded the modified banner that was printed by the NBTS with two young ladies from Guyana with the slogan “Your blood saved our lives, share life, give blood.”
Edwards continued that the 2016 campaign thanks all blood donors and highlights the solidarity and connection between donors and recipients. The event (World Blood donor day) he said “also serves to thank all voluntary unpaid donors for their life saving gifts of blood, and to raise awareness of the need for regular blood donations to ensure the quality, safety and availability of blood and blood products for patients who are in need.”
He underscored the fact that 62 countries have 100 per cent volunteer blood donors, while 40 countries depend on replacement donors which includes family members and in some cases, paid donors.

Sickle Cell patient Eaton London speaking as Minister Karen Cummings, PAHO/WHO rep. Dr. Edwards and NBTS Dir. Dr. Pedro Lewis look on.

Guest speaker, Mr. Eaton London who is a regular recipient of blood due to the fact that he suffers from sickle cell anaemia, testified to the importance of blood donors in Guyana.
During an emotional speech, London expressed his gratitude repeatedly and posited that his case is only one of many.
Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings, stated, “Today is a special day as we collectively recognize and celebrate those persons who voluntarily donate blood to the benefit of our many patients.”
She expressed her pleasure at being present and maintained that “blood donations are an essential and vital component of our public healthcare system, blood is life, blood donors save lives!”
The Minister said, “When you decide to roll up your sleeves and sit in that chair to give blood, know with certainty that you are making a major difference in your life and most importantly in the life of a patient.”
Among the recipients of the awards were the Guyana Red Cross Association, MACORP and Marian’s Academy and other individuals.