Health Minister urges more Jamaicans to donate blood
May 14, 2025
KINGSTON, Jamaica. Friday, May 09, 2025: Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, MP is calling for more voluntary blood donations across Jamaica, this as the country continues to collect an inadequate amount of the lifesaving resource.
The National Blood Transfusion Service, an entity under the Ministry of Health and Wellness, collects 30,000 units of blood yearly, however, 73.6 % of these donations are from replacement donors who donate blood for friends and family members who need it for immediate use.
Dr. Tufton notes that ideally, Jamaica needs to be collecting closer to 60,000 units annually to fulfil the demand of the Public Health System.
“We need approximately double the current rate of blood donations with the demand that we have in the health sector. If just 2% of the population donate on a yearly basis then we will be able to achieve this target. Ultimately, we need regular donors to keep giving, and we need to motivate healthy individuals, especially young adults, to become first-time donors”, the Minister said.
Blood is a critical resource for medical treatments, surgeries, and emergencies. It can help patients who have accidents, surgeries, or medical conditions such as cancer, blood disorders, or chronic illnesses. Donating blood can save someone’s life or improve their health.
There are currently 4 parishes without blood collection centres; St. Thomas, St. Mary, Hanover and St. Elizabeth, however, a review is currently being done to find suitable locations and establish centres in those parishes in the near future.
The Health and Wellness Minister highlighted other steps that are being explored to improve blood collection across the island.
“We are currently exploring adding a second mobile blood collection unit, the first of which was unveiled in 2023, and we are in talks to establish targets for each parish health department”, said Minister Tufton.
“We want to also form partnerships with the various service clubs where we can collaborate for frequent blood donations from members, and we have in train a rewards and recognition programme to further encourage continuous blood donations”, added Minster Tufton.
Members of the public interested in becoming blood donors can visit www.nbts.gov.jm to find one of the 11 blood collection centres islandwide.