Staging another round of blood drives this month, the National Blood Transfusion Service (NTBS) is continuing its struggle to meet a yearly goal of 50,000 units of blood.

It has been just three months since the national blood drive was launched by Scotiabank. However, it is still only halfway to the goal. This month, it is back to the trickle of donors with the annual blood campaign hosted at the Freemasons Hall by Lodge Semper Fidelis, Tuesday, with another set scheduled for Wednesday as the Kingston Jaycees celebrate their 50th anniversary.

Wesley Bernard, chairman of the Freemasons Lodge, said the Jamaican Freemasons group has always been "heavily into community service" in its mission of 'brotherly love, relief and truths'.

Lodge members are generally over 60, so they often cannot donate blood in Jamaica, even in good health. Their role is mostly restricted to inviting family members, younger friends, 'new blood' lodge members (such as Brian 'Ribby' Chung, owner of The Quad) and their clientele, targeting other businesses to participate.

Last year, the Freemasons' drive poured 60 units into the cause, and they are hoping for at least the same amount this time around.

"People trickle in," said Bernard, "About 90 people turned up last year. We just have to keep our fingers crossed."

Potential donors

Representative from the Blood Bank, Carol Williams, said, "Each blood drive seeks to ideally get 100 units. Anything below 50 units is not so well. They're (small blood drive groups) always fighting against rejection," referring to the 30 per cent of potential donors who cannot give blood.

"The current situation, in terms of blood donation, is that we're not getting 100 per cent voluntary donations. Voluntary blood is the safest blood."

Standing in the way of blood collection are hurdles like the growing trend of anaemia among teenagers, and fear among persons who do not want to know their HIV/AIDS status.