Raising awareness of blood donation

The National Blood Transfusion Service is again calling for the public’s support.

It is worried it may not be able to provide blood in cases of emergency and some operations may have to be cancelled as the reserves of some blood groups are very low.

The centre urges the public to donate as regularly as possible. Local singer Eleanor Cassar responded to the call last week in a bid to raise awareness. “There is nothing more noble than the act of giving blood and saving lives, after all, it could be one of my family members or even myself that suddenly requires blood!” she said after donating blood at the Blood Donation Centre in Guardamangia.

The centre is situated next to St Luke’s Hospital and is open between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. seven days a week including public holidays.

Anyone interested in donating blood is advised to eat lightly and drink water before visiting the centre.

Alcohol and food that contains high fat content, such as junk food, should be avoided before the blood donation as this may impact the results of the blood tests.

For more information visit www.blood.gov.mt or call 2123 4767.