Blood donors were honoured yesterday as a part of World Blood Donor Day.

Bermuda Hospitals Board and the Bermuda Red Cross joined forces to thank all their blood donors as well as to encourage interested donors to step forward. Barbara Cooper, chairperson of the Bermuda Red Cross Blood Donor Centre, said: “We are so very grateful to our regular donors who give such a wonderful gift to the community.”

“About 80 people joined our donor ranks following our call for help in May and we would like to thank them. Every donor makes a difference to patients’ lives.”

Dr. Betsie Lombard, Medical Director of Blood Transfusion Services at BHB explained blood is used for many things including sickle cell, anaemic and surgical patients as well as road traffic accident victims.

“We would really like to expand our donor base so that we can continue to manage emergencies and regular patient needs. We also need people who can specifically donate platelets, as fewer people are eligible to donate this blood product due to minimum weight restrictions. Over 500 patients a year need blood, although demand can vary widely month by month. Donating blood is therefore a gift that saves hundreds of lives each year in Bermuda and it only costs half an hour of your time. All of us at the Blood Donor Centre would like to remember this kind donation and highlight their contribution as we thank all donors on World Blood Donor Day.”

For more information or to become a blood donor call 236-5067.