The temporary Cayman Islands Blood Bank at the Red Cross building on Huldah Avenue will close on 1 August.
The satellite Blood Bank opened in March 2020 as the social-distancing restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic took effect. The satellite Blood Bank opened with the hopes of encouraging blood donor volunteers to continue to give blood despite the restrictions put in place to minimize the spread of the virus.
Community businesses and organizations like Car City, Generali Worldwide, Rotary Central and Hurley’s Media worked with the Red Cross to facilitate the opening of the satellite location in March. As a result of their efforts, a record number of blood units was collected by the Blood Bank last spring: a total of 380 units of blood were donated over a three month period. The Blood Bank was also able to receive more new blood donor volunteers this past spring than at any point in the springtime in years past.
According to the Blood Bank, 69 units of blood and 11 new blood donors were documented in March. In April, the Blood Bank collected 151 units of blood and saw 87 new blood donors at the Red Cross location, and in May, records show 160 units of blood and 96 new donors. These donations enabled the Cayman Islands Hospital to maintain a safe blood supply that has the potential to save many lives.
The Blood Bank appreciates all members of the community who contributed to the record numbers of donated units of blood. Thanks to the generosity of volunteers and other community partners like Rotaract Blue, Cayman Spirit and Radio Cayman, the Cayman Islands Hospital Blood Bank was able to continue their valuable work.
The last week of July marks the satellite location’s final week, and Island Heritage will be the last organization to hold a special blood drive on Friday, 31 July. On 1 August, the off-site blood bank at the Red Cross will close to free up the space for other community needs. At this time, the Cayman Islands Blood Bank will resume its day-to-day operations at the Cayman Islands Hospital.
Blood donations will continue to take place during the week at the Cayman Islands Hospital Blood Bank, from Monday to Friday, from 7am to 6:30pm. On Saturdays, blood donors are welcome from 9am to 5:30pm. Individuals who are volunteering to donate blood for the first time have access to an online assessment on the Cayman Islands Hospital website to determine their eligibility. Please go to www.bloodbank.ky or call 244-2674 for more information or to book an appointment to give blood.
