One hundred and eighty-six (186) units of blood was realised on Friday during this year’s mass blood donation exercise, organized by the Accra Area Blood Centre of the National Blood Service.
The exercise, dubbed “Accra Goes Red”, was the maiden to be organized by the Accra Area Blood Centre, and took place at the premises of the purpose-built National Blood Service headquarters near the Ghana Commercial Bank, Korle-Bu.
It was aimed at ensuring that the perennial seasonal shortage of blood during the yuletide is prevented.
The National Blood Service, Ghana among other things is responsible for the adequacy, safety, efficacy and adequacy of blood and blood products for all patients in both public and private health institutions in the country, in an accessible and affordable manner.
The event brought together various groups organizations and individuals, who voluntarily donated blood to support blood banks.
Dr. Justina K. Ansah, the Director of the National Blood Service, Ghana was grateful to donors and supporting organizations for the massive turn-out and encouraged the public to continue to donate blood voluntarily, at least twice a year, to help stock blood banks adequately all year round.
Commenting on the new ultra-modern facility to house the Southern Area Blood Centre and the National Blood Service headquarters in Accra, Dr. Ansah said the facility was near completion and will significantly improve operations as well as give voluntary blood donors a pleasant environment and experience for blood donation.
“Accra Goes Red’ will become a yearly event on the calendar of the National Blood Service, Ghana, and will take place every Farmers’ Day, the first Friday of December.
