Health Ministry Urges Blood Donations as Supplies Run Critically Low After Hurricane Melissa

The Ministry of Health and Wellness is making an urgent appeal for blood donations following significant disruptions caused by Hurricane Melissa, which has hampered regular collection and distribution operations across multiple parishes.

According to the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS), the hurricane forced the cancellation of routine blood drives and affected the transportation of blood and blood products to hospitals islandwide. The resulting shortage now threatens critical care services, including emergency surgeries, trauma cases, and childbirth-related complications.

Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie, Chief Medical Officer, is encouraging Jamaicans to donate blood as soon as conditions are safe to do so.

“We are urging all Jamaicans who are able to give blood. Your donation can save lives, especially at a time when hospitals are still in emergency mode and every unit counts,” she said.

The Ministry is reminding potential donors to ensure travel safety before visiting any collection site, eat and rest well beforehand, stay hydrated, and bring a valid ID when donating.

Blood donations are currently being accepted at the NBTS headquarters at 21 Slipe Road in Kingston, with additional collection sites and schedules to be announced in the coming days via the Ministry’s official channels and NBTS social media pages.

The Ministry expressed gratitude to regular donors and volunteers for their ongoing support and is calling on new donors to step forward during this period of national recovery.

For more information, contact the Health Emergency Operations Centre at 888-ONE-LOVE (888-663-5683).