The Blood Transfusion Service of Namibia recently held an open house to show people what happens behind the scenes. They wanted everyone to learn about blood donation, how they care for donors, and why blood costs money when someone needs it at a hospital.
Zita Tobin spoke for NAMBTS and explained how essential their work remains for saving lives across the country. She said they planned the day to explain their daily operations, show how they protect donor health, and break down the actual costs involved when someone receives life-saving blood.
People who came walked through the whole building. They saw where donors sit to give blood and then visited the lab areas where technicians process each donation. NAMBTS staff explained all the expenses they face - trucks that transport blood, special bags to store it, tests to make sure it's safe, checking blood types, and keeping everything clean.
Four out of ten supplies they need come from faraway places like Spain, the UK, America, Germany, and Japan. Israel Chipare runs daily operations at NAMBTS and mentioned that they organized this event because of things people say online about blood prices and whether donors should get paid for giving blood.
Several regular donors talked with visitors during the event. Izanne Smith has donated over 20 times and says she feels happy knowing she helps others. She first gave blood back in high school and kept going year after year. She describes the donation center staff as almost like family members - they chat about everything when she visits every two weeks.
Zita Tobin spoke for NAMBTS and explained how essential their work remains for saving lives across the country. She said they planned the day to explain their daily operations, show how they protect donor health, and break down the actual costs involved when someone receives life-saving blood.
People who came walked through the whole building. They saw where donors sit to give blood and then visited the lab areas where technicians process each donation. NAMBTS staff explained all the expenses they face - trucks that transport blood, special bags to store it, tests to make sure it's safe, checking blood types, and keeping everything clean.
Four out of ten supplies they need come from faraway places like Spain, the UK, America, Germany, and Japan. Israel Chipare runs daily operations at NAMBTS and mentioned that they organized this event because of things people say online about blood prices and whether donors should get paid for giving blood.
Several regular donors talked with visitors during the event. Izanne Smith has donated over 20 times and says she feels happy knowing she helps others. She first gave blood back in high school and kept going year after year. She describes the donation center staff as almost like family members - they chat about everything when she visits every two weeks.
