YOU CANNOT CATCH HIV from donating blood. This is a fact. But many Jamaicans don't believe this.
The National Blood Transfusion Services, more popularly known as the Blood Bank, has said even though there are several public education campaigns, there are many people who are averse to giving blood because they fear contracting HIV.
Communications officer at the Blood Bank, Sandra Brown, told THE STAR, "There's no doubt about it. Lots of people have that misconception." But she stressed there is no HIV contraction risk when donating blood.
CAMPAIGN
She believes there needs to be an ongoing, long-term campaign to make people more aware but admits that this would be very costly.
Brown also told THE STAR that most Jamaicans only give blood when when a friend or relative is ill because of the HIV fear.
The response to the organisation's blood drives, she says, is varied and depends on the location. Drives that are conducted in collaboration with schools, service organisations and corporate offices are usually well-supported. She said the bank is trying to sell the idea by educating people about the uses of the blood and about their personal health.
There are voluntary donors who visit the organisation every three months, and this helps to keep a safe supply in the bank. Bad weather and holidays are among the lowest periods for the bank. Though the contribution of the voluntary donors is immeasurable, Brown wants to have regular donors who visit the bank on a timely basis.
The Blood Bank has been 'pushing the issue' very powerfully and Brown says, since the start of the year, they have had many successful drives.
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