The Saint Jude Hospital is embarking on a series of blood donation drives in the south of the island during the month of September.

Hospital officials say the need for blood remains constant and such activities are important to help sustain an adequate supply.

Hospital Medical Technologist Selwyn Brandon said anyone over the age of 17 can donate.

“The simple fact that you can contribute to saving a person’s life would be reason enough to donate blood. Moreover, new research published in the American Journal of Epidemiology suggests that blood donors are 88 percent less likely to suffer from a heart attack and 33 percent less likely to suffer from cardiovascular illness," he said. "Repeated blood donations may help to improve the flow of blood in the body in addition to balancing iron levels in the blood and can lead to a longer life."

Brandon added that healthcare professionals will be available to provide counseling and ensure that donors are healthy enough to give blood.

"Every blood donor goes through screening prior to donation to check blood pressure, hemoglobin, and temperature, along with testing for a range of infectious diseases,” he said.

Each blood donor will receive a free malt at the end of their donation to help replenish their blood volume.

The hospital’s mobile blood bank will visit the following locations to accept donations from the general public on the following dates: Saturday, Sep. 19 – Super J parking lot, Latourney, Vieux-Fort; Tuesday, Sep. 22 – Laborie Community; Sunday, Sep. 27, Mon Repos Community.

Saint Jude Hospital reminds the public that the blood you give today could end up saving your life tomorrow.