General Accident Jamaica (GenAc), the National Blood Transfusion Service, and Chain of Hope are coming together to provide life-saving blood donations for children awaiting heart surgery at the Bustamante Hospital for Children.

GenAc’s third annual blood drive, organised in honour of World Blood Donor Day, will take place on Friday (June 16) from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (registration ends at 4:30 pm) at the GenAc offices located at 58 Half Way Tree Road in Kingston.

This year’s event aims to significantly improve the chances of children in need by ensuring an adequate supply of blood for their surgeries.

Chain of Hope Ja, an organisation dedicated to coordinating free surgical missions at the Bustamante Hospital’s Cardiac Centre, has stationed itself at the hospital throughout the year. The availability of blood is crucial for the success of most cardiac surgeries, and this partnership will address that vital need.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the collaboration between GenAc and the National Blood Transfusion Service, consultant cardiothoracic surgeon at the Bustamante Hospital, Dr Sherard Little, highlighted the profound impact the blood drive will have on the lives of children facing serious health challenges.

Dr Little shared, “There are over 150 children on the waitlist for surgery. Our goal is to facilitate at least six surgeries during this June surgical mission. Three to five units of blood are needed for each surgery. We are, therefore, very excited to partner with GenAc in this activity as it allows us to confidently schedule cardiac surgery at the hospital.”

GenAc’s annual blood drive serves as a platform to raise awareness about the ongoing need for blood donations and aims to inspire individuals to join the cause. The theme for this year’s drive is ‘Save a Life,’ emphasising the transformative power of a single blood donation.

Sharon Donaldson, managing director of GenAc, affirmed the company’s commitment to community well-being, stating, “Our annual blood drive is a testament to GenAc’s dedication. Through this initiative, we aim to educate individuals about the immense impact a single blood donation can have on the lives of others.”

GenAc invites the public, employees, and their families to participate in this significant event. To ensure a smooth experience for all participants, individuals are encouraged to make appointments in advance through online registration at www.calendly.com/genacja.