Special Features

Blood bank urges more donors

Demand for local supply grows as Cayman’s population rises

1 June 2026

As Cayman’s population grows, so does the need for a stable, reliable blood supply.

Judith Clarke, laboratory manager at the Cayman Islands Blood Bank and HSA Pathology Laboratory, is encouraging residents to consider becoming regular blood donors to ensure the islands can meet demand for emergencies and ongoing medical care.

She says Cayman is currently keeping pace with local demands despite the population increase, thanks in part to increased blood drives and public appeals.

“However, there are times when special blood products are needed, which require us to order from overseas,” Clarke explains.

Donation levels below target

Cayman’s population now exceeds 90,000, yet only about 3.2% of residents donate blood. The Pan American Health Organization recommends that at least 5% of the population donate regularly for a country to be self-sufficient.

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Donated blood supports a wide range of medical treatments, including chemotherapy, dialysis, trauma care, surgery, and care for pregnant mothers and newborn babies.

A single blood donation can save up to three lives, and the process takes about 15 minutes. Last year, more than 400 people donated.

“At present, we have a pool of 2,933 registered donors; however, a portion donate only once per year, while others are inactive or have not donated in the past two to three years,” says Clarke.

High-demand blood types

Some blood types are in higher demand than others. Type O blood – particularly O-negative and O-positive – is critical for both emergency and routine care.

O-positive blood is the most frequently used blood type because it can be safely given to most patients regardless of their blood type, while O-negative is essential in emergencies when a patient’s blood type is unknown.

Ahead of hurricane season, or when a storm threatens the islands, the Blood Bank issues public service announcements to bolster its supply. “In most cases, locals step up and are highly willing to donate,” Clarke notes.

How to become a donor

Potential donors can sign up at bloodbank.ky, where they can take a short quiz to determine if they are eligible. Generally, donors should be healthy, without chronic medical conditions, and should not have had cancer or autoimmune diseases.

The Blood Bank also hosts mobile drives throughout the year, offering additional opportunities for residents to give.