GB Community Coming Together to Save Lives and Donate Blood

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GRAND BAHAMA , BAHAMAS – In observance of World Blood Donor Day, recognized on June 14, the Public Hospitals Authority joined forces with Grand Bahama Health Services and the Blood Donors Society of Grand Bahama to host a special blood drive at Rand Memorial Hospital.

Guided by the National Reference Lab, participants rolled up their sleeves to donate a lifeline for patients in need. Our Evlynn Ferguson has more.

Senior Medical Technologist Krystal Bain-Symonette says every pint of blood collected could mean the difference between life and death. According to the Pan American Health Organization, even in 2026, there is still no substitute for human blood.

That reality makes drives like this one more than symbolic. They are vital to helping save lives. With the National Reference Lab guiding the process, Bain-Symonette explained why every donation is critical.

Krystal Bain-Symonette – Senior Medical Technologist, National Reference Lab

“Without persons coming in to donate, there’s no blood for the patients. There’s no blood for trauma, the NICU, sickle cell, or anyone needing blood. So we need persons to come in and donate blood for those people.”

Among those donating were police officers, showing the community that their role is not only about law and order, but also about supporting the health of the nation.

Their donations reminded the public that service means protecting lives in every way possible.

Cameron Knowles – Police Officer

“We are simply honored to have the opportunity to give to a cause greater than ourselves, to give the gift of life.”

Rico Thompson Jr. – Police Officer

“Funny story, I was on the phone with my mom yesterday. I told her we had to give blood and I wasn’t sure about it. She told me, ‘Just do it. You never know whose life you could save.’ It turns out when I gave blood today, I have O positive blood, and that means I can give to all people who have positive blood.”

Vice President of the Blood Donors Society, Catherine Adderley, reminded the public why consistent donations are critical and why timing makes all the difference.

Catherine Adderley – Vice President, Blood Donors Society

“A lot of people don’t realize that the blood we get today has an expiration date. In about 35 days, every unit of blood has to be discarded if it is not used. That is why we emphasize the importance of regular blood donation. You can only donate about every three months or so, but that blood only lasts one month. As you can see, there’s a deficit or discrepancy, so we need everybody to become regular, consistent blood donors.”

Meanwhile, President of the Blood Donors Society of Grand Bahama, Lededra Marche, shared her gratitude for the support and encouraged more Bahamians to do the same.

Lededra Marche – President, Blood Donors Society of Grand Bahama

“We are so thankful for those who have come out already. We celebrate World Blood Donor Day on the 14th, but we’re observing it today, and we are grateful to those who came out. We’ve had a large group from the Royal Bahamas Police Force, who have always supported us. We’re asking everybody else to come out and do what they can as we honor those who give blood.”