Rotary Central Cayman Islands has donated a mobile blood collection unit to the Health Services Authority (HSA) Cayman Islands’ Blood Bank.
The civic leadership group officially handed over the fully-equipped bus at a formal ceremony held at the Anthony S Eden Hospital campus on 20 June.
The donation marks the culmination of the Rotary club’s 2024-2025 project focus, a press release said.
It aims to bolster Cayman’s capacity to collect and manage blood donations across all districts and improve outreach to underserved communities.
Several members of the government – including health minister Katherine Ebanks-Wilks – HSA and Rotary club were present at the handover event.
Representing Rotary Central Cayman Islands was president Dr Brendan Lee, who emphasised the organisation’s long-standing commitment to public health.
In his address, he described the occasion as “historic and heartwarming” and highlighted the club’s decades-long commitment to community service and public health.
“This initiative has been years in the making – an idea born out of need, sustained by commitment, and brought to life through the remarkable generosity of our community,” he said.
“Today is not just about handing over a vehicle – it’s about handing over hope, increasing access, and saving lives.”
This transformational project was made possible through the support of many corporate and individual donors.
In its press release, the group recognised sponsors Logic and Walkers, AL Thompson’s, MacAlpine, Cayman National, The Foster Group, Dart and private donors.
They also mentioned Deloitte, which raised a substantial sum from internal fundraising, and Vampt Motors, along with Hitech and FastSigns, for their logistical and design support.
The modern unit is designed to collect up to six units of blood per hour, and is equipped with donor chairs, refrigeration systems and medical-grade storage and sanitation facilities
Its mobility allows the Cayman Islands Blood Bank to safely and conveniently conduct blood drives, reducing dependency on imported blood and expanding the national donor pool.
At the handover, HSA CEO Lizzette Yearwood thanked Rotary for the donation and support for public health in the Cayman Islands.
“Trauma care, maternity, oncology and surgery, all rely heavily on an adequate and timely blood supply,” she said.
“Even with our team’s tireless dedication, only 3.2% of the eligible population donated blood in 2024.
“This reveals a sobering reality: while we have a strong core of committed donors, we must grow this base to meet future needs.”
Rotary Central Cayman Islands has supported the Cayman Islands Blood Bank since the 1990s through advocacy, education and donor mobilisation campaigns.
The donation of the mobile blood collection unit represents the group’s largest single contribution to the Blood Bank to date.
More information about scheduling a blood drive is available at www.bloodbank.ky or info@bloodbank.ky
