The Cayman Islands Blood Bank, part of the Health Services Authority (HSA), has sent 51 units of red cells and 72 units of plasma to Jamaica’s National Blood Transfusion Service.
The donation marks the first of several planned shipments to Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa, which swept across the island the island from 28 to 29 October.
In response to a call for donors, 65 people came forward to give blood – a significant increase from the usual daily average of fewer than 10 donations.
Dr Lundie Richards, consultant haematologist-oncologist at the HSA and lead of blood bank and transfusion services, said: “This extraordinary turnout demonstrates the generosity and solidarity of our community.”
Speaking as a Jamaican, in an HSA press release on 31 October, Richards said the support had a “profound effect” on him.
“This is truly humanity in one of its greatest forms – the opportunity to give back, give blood, and give Caymankind to our neighbours in need,” he said.
“Collecting 65 pints and one platelet unit in just a couple of days, when our typical daily numbers are under 10, speaks volumes about our donors’ compassion and commitment not only to Cayman but to regional health and well-being.”
The blood products were transported to Jamaica courtesy of Cayman Airways and delivered to the central blood bank for distribution across the island.
The HSA and Cayman Islands Blood Bank thanked the airline and Dr Joseph Marzouca, Jamaica’s honorary consul in the Cayman Islands, for assisting with coordination.
Marzouca said: “I am deeply touched by our Cayman donor community’s generosity.
“This donation strengthens the bonds between our islands and shows that lifesaving care knows no borders.”
Officials emphasised that this donation is part of a wider effort to improve regional health collaboration and emergency preparedness, not a one-off event.
The Cayman Islands Blood Bank provides a full range of blood-banking and transfusion services, including whole blood, platelets and apheresis-based collections.
It is located at the Anthony S Eden, 95 Hospital Road, George Town, and is open Monday to Friday, 7am to 6:30pm, and Saturdays, 9am to 5pm.
Anyone wanting to donate can call (345) 244-2674, email bloodbank@hsa.ky or visit www.bloodbank.ky to learn more.
