Jamaica's health authorities have issued an urgent appeal for blood donations as trauma cases surge in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. Health Minister Christopher Tufton announced the initiative during a government briefing on Saturday at ministry headquarters in New Kingston, explaining that the storm had disrupted normal collection and storage operations throughout multiple parishes.
Tufton emphasized that emergency departments are treating numerous accident victims as residents attempt recovery efforts in damaged areas. The minister noted that medical facilities require adequate blood supplies and related materials to provide care for those injured during rescue and cleanup activities. He confirmed that officials have already activated a nationwide blood drive to address the shortage.
Jamaicans can contribute at three designated facilities during specific hours. The National Chest Hospital in Kingston and Spanish Town Hospital in St. Catherine accept donors from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., while Mandeville Regional Hospital in Manchester operates collection services from 9 a.m. through 4 p.m. Tufton stressed that volunteers need only bring identification, assuring the public that medical teams have established proper systems to facilitate the donation process.
Tufton emphasized that emergency departments are treating numerous accident victims as residents attempt recovery efforts in damaged areas. The minister noted that medical facilities require adequate blood supplies and related materials to provide care for those injured during rescue and cleanup activities. He confirmed that officials have already activated a nationwide blood drive to address the shortage.
Jamaicans can contribute at three designated facilities during specific hours. The National Chest Hospital in Kingston and Spanish Town Hospital in St. Catherine accept donors from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., while Mandeville Regional Hospital in Manchester operates collection services from 9 a.m. through 4 p.m. Tufton stressed that volunteers need only bring identification, assuring the public that medical teams have established proper systems to facilitate the donation process.
