The Cayman Islands dispatched vital blood products to Jamaica on Friday, Oct. 31, as part of relief operations following Hurricane Melissa's destruction. Health Services Authority's blood bank sent 51 red cell units and 72 plasma units aboard a Cayman Airways flight to Kingston, with additional shipments planned for Jamaica's National Blood Transfusion Service. Dr. Lundie Richards, the authority's hematologist-oncologist overseeing transfusion operations, accompanied the delivery.
Community members donated blood at unprecedented rates during recent days, with 65 people contributing compared to fewer than 10 on typical days. Thirteen individuals gave blood for the first time. Richards, who was born in Jamaica, praised the response as an exceptional demonstration of compassion. Health Minister Katherine Ebanks-Wilks described the effort as exemplary Caribbean cooperation.
Authority chief executive Lizzette Yearwood noted the contribution could sustain 120 patients but emphasized the 35-day storage limit requires continuous donations. The George Town facility on Hospital Road accepts donors Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Honorary Consul Joseph Marzouca coordinated logistics for the humanitarian mission.
Community members donated blood at unprecedented rates during recent days, with 65 people contributing compared to fewer than 10 on typical days. Thirteen individuals gave blood for the first time. Richards, who was born in Jamaica, praised the response as an exceptional demonstration of compassion. Health Minister Katherine Ebanks-Wilks described the effort as exemplary Caribbean cooperation.
Authority chief executive Lizzette Yearwood noted the contribution could sustain 120 patients but emphasized the 35-day storage limit requires continuous donations. The George Town facility on Hospital Road accepts donors Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Honorary Consul Joseph Marzouca coordinated logistics for the humanitarian mission.
