Community Collaboration Helps Us All

Time and Place

Recognizing a need to build a blood supply for Ambergris Caye, Belize Red Cross – San Pedro Branch and the San Pedro Cancer Society are working together to hold a blood drive. It will be on Saturday October 3, 2015 from 9:00 am – 7:00 pm at the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic ll.

Working Together

This community collaboration is to increase the blood supply for Ambergris Caye Residents and a joint effort of the Belize Red Cross – San Pedro (BRCSP) in with the San Pedro Cancer Society, the Belize National Blood Transfusion Service (aka The Belize Blood Bank) and medical professionals of Belize to improve the process for Ambergris Caye residents to receive blood in time of need.

By helping ensure that blood is available whenever members of the Ambergris Caye community or visitors require medical attention, your blood donation may one day save a life. It is important for residents of Ambergris Caye to recognize that there is a blood supply allocated for all island residents and visitors. Of greater importance is for all residents to recognize the necessity of the BRCSP blood drives on Ambergris Caye to keep a full supply of blood on hand at the Belize Blood Bank in Belize City.

The Belize Blood Bank follows strict procedures to ensure that personal information is confidential and that each donation is safe for the donor and the recipient. The donation process is relatively quick. The entire process only takes a short time, but the reward lasts a lifetime.

When preparing to donate blood, think RED:

• Rest and get a good nights sleep.
• Eat a good breakfast with foods high in iron.
• Drink plenty of healthy fluids (water is best) starting the day before you donate.

Donating blood is a simple process that can save lives.

Following a short screening process, the donation itself is only about 8-10 minutes on average. A single unit of blood (475 mL or 1 pint) taken during a donation which is about 8-10% of the total in your system. Your body replenishes blood all the time whether you give blood or not, so this amount is quickly replaced.

The blood collected in San Pedro is held in trust at the Belize Blood Bank for utilization specifically by the Ambergris Caye Community whether for a planned procedure or in an emergency.

For more information

If you would like more information, to become a member or volunteer for Belize Red Cross – San Pedro Branch please contact info.brcsp@gmail[dot]com

If you would like more information or to join the San Pedro Cancer Society please contact Miguel Perez: spcancersociety@gmail[dot]com

Please also like us on Facebook: Belize Red Cross San Pedro, San Pedro Cancer Society and
Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II to show support and stay informed.

To see why it is so important to donate, please read Lobster meat pies and a reader review post which includes important information discussed at our last blood drive planning meeting.

Another great reason to come and donate is the fabulous treats afterwards. Not only do we get gourmet cookie donations, Miguel and his crew makes an awesome and refreshing ginger lime drink.