The recent spate of wet weather, coupled with the usual lull prior to the Chinese New Year festivities, have resulted in a drop in donors turning up at the Blood Bank and Blood Mobiles. This has caused blood supply at the Blood Bank to dip to a low of 1,100 bags last week. The bank needs 1,500 bags per week to be comfortable.

Thus when BDC Chairman Vashi Chandiramani was asked to hold an additional Blood Mobile at the Sindhi Association’s premises, on top of the four annual mobiles which the association has been holding for the past 25 years, he readily agreed. Roping in other members of BDC to help out, a Blood Mobile was held on 20 January 2007 at Sindhu House at Mountbatten Road.

Despite the short notice, and the occasional shower, more than 70 donors turned up. Many were first time donors. When asked why they decided to donate they said that they were motivated by reports of low blood supply at the Blood Bank which had appeared in the various newspapers the day before. Some of those who turned up had donated before and said that they were alerted by a SMS sent out by the BDRP.

In the end a total of 50 units of blood were collected as some of potential donors had to be rejected on various grounds. Still, their willingness to come forward in a time of need is very much appreciated.

The large number of first time donors who turned up after publication of the newspaper articles points to an important lesson – publicity is critical. Also donors need to be reminded, as evidenced by those who responded to the SMS.

BDC is happy to be able to do its part in the continued effort to encourage blood donation. Hopefully, more can be done in the future.