ALL YOU WANT TO KNOW ABOUT DONATING BLOOD

WHY GIVE BLOOD?

Blood cannot be manufactured nor is it sold (in Jamaica); in short, it is priceless!
It can only be given by one human being to another.  This precious gift of blood is used to transfusion to save lives.

ANNUAL DEMAND

About 50,000 units of blood are required each year to satisfy the growing demand for blood and blood components.  Presently, the NBTS collects little over half of this amount with the result that several patients must have their operations postponed as emergency cases take priority.

WHO CAN GIVE BLOOD?

Any person who is physically healthy with a healthy lifestyle between the ages of 17 and 60 is eligible.   However, persons with high risk lifestyles are excluded from donating blood.

You CAN DONATE BLOOD if….

• you Smoke
• have Sickle Cell Trait
• have High Blood Pressure and Diabetes and it is controlled
• your Tattoo was done one year ago
• you are having a Monthly Period

HOW BLOOD SAVES LIVES?

Blood can be transfused in the form of whole blood or can be separated into components for the treatment of various diseases.

The Main Components of Blood are:

• Red cells
• Platelets
• White blood cells
• Plasma

1 UNIT OF BLOOD CAN HELP TO SAVE THE LIVES OF 4 PERSONS