Saving lives will take on a healthy twist when the Cayman Islands Blood Bank joins forces with Seven Mile Medical Clinic and Green2Go for a community blood drive at Queens Court on Wednesday, 17 September.
The Blood Bank’s new Mobile Blood Collection Unit will be stationed in the clinic’s car park between 9am and 2pm where members of the public will be able to donate blood. It will take 20 minutes and three people can be served at once.
Donors will also be able to enjoy complimentary smoothies and juices from Green2Go after they have given blood, making the experience one of giving back and getting a well-deserved boost.
“We’re so proud to be partnering with the Cayman Islands Blood Bank and their new mobile donor unit to make giving blood easier and more accessible to our island community,” said Maria O Shea, practice manager at Seven Mile Medical Clinic.
“Every donation has the power to save three lives, and we hope this drive inspires more people to roll up their sleeves and get involved. To show our appreciation, Green2Go will be treating all of our donors to fresh smoothies and juices on the day. It’s a simple way to give back, recharge, and know you’ve made a real difference.”
The mobile unit, officially donated to the Cayman Islands Blood Bank in June by Rotary Central, is expected to significantly expand the country’s donor pool and reduce reliance on imported blood.
Designed with donor chairs, refrigeration systems and medical-grade storage, it can collect up to six units per hour and is expected to save the healthcare system more than CI$160,000 annually.
In 2023, 1,600 people donated blood in Cayman, which the Blood Bank says helped to save or improve 460 lives. The Blood Bank continues to work toward the recommended 5% donation rate, compared to the 3.2% currently achieved.
O Shea says that if the blood drive is successful, Seven Mile Medical will host similar events on a quarterly basis.
“Trauma care, maternity, oncology and surgery, all rely heavily on an adequate and timely blood supply. Even with our team’s tireless dedication, only 3.2% of the eligible population donated blood in 2024,” said HSA Chief Executive Officer Lizzette Yearwood. “This reveals a sobering reality: While we have a strong core of committed donors, we must grow this base to meet future needs.”
Donations can be booked by calling 949-5600 or emailing [email protected]. Alternatively, walk-ins will be welcomed at Seven Mile Medical Clinic, where staff will accommodate donors in the next available time slot. Prospective donors can check their eligibility at https://bloodbank.ky/.
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