Community Collaboration is needed to increase the blood supply for Ambergris Caye

Belize Red Cross San Pedro (BRCSP), in collaboration with the San Pedro Cancer Society, are working with the Belize National Blood Transfusion Service (the Belize Blood Bank) and medical professionals of Belize to improve the process for Ambergris Caye residents to receive blood in time of need. In order to achieve this a blood drive will be on Saturday, October 3rd at the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II from 9AM to 7PM. Everyone is invited to come out and be a part of this worthy initiative.
By helping to ensure that blood is available whenever members of the Ambergris Caye community or visitors require medical attention, a blood donation may one day save a life. It is important for residents of Ambergris Caye to recognize that there is a blood supply allocated for all island residents and visitors. Of greater importance is for all residents to recognize the necessity of the BRCSP blood drives in San Pedro to keep a full supply of blood on hand at the Belize Blood Bank in Belize City.
The Belize Blood Bank follows strict procedures to ensure that personal information is confidential and that each donation is safe for the donor and the recipient. The donation process is relatively quick. The entire process only takes a short time, but the reward lasts a lifetime.
Donating blood is a simple process that can save lives. When preparing to donate blood, think RED:
Rest and get a good night’s sleep.
Eat a good breakfast with foods high in iron.
Drink plenty of healthy fluids (water is best) starting the day before you donate.
Following a short screening process, the donation itself is only about 8-10 minutes on average. A single unit of blood (475 mL or one pint) is taken during a donation which is about 8-10% of the total in your system. Your body replenishes blood all the time whether you give blood or not, so this amount is quickly replaced.
The blood collected in San Pedro is held in trust at the Belize Blood Bank for utilization specifically by the Ambergris Caye Community, whether for a planned procedure or in an emergency.