AmbergrisCaye.com Home Forums The Cayes Specials & Events ISLAND DONORS ADVANCES BLOOD COLLECTION ON AMBERGRIS CAYE IN BELIZE

Ambitious goals for increasing blood collection on Ambergris Caye have been established by the newly formed coalition of the Island Donors Squad (IDS) on Ambergris Caye. Tacogirl, Laurie
Norton, is bringing her ten years experience in island blood drives to team with Ambergris Hope Hospital and The Rotary Club of Ambergris Caye to establish the foundation of IDS. Working closely with Belize National Blood Transfusion Services (BNBTS), the goal is to increase blood
collection and related services on the island and beyond.
The Inaugural Blood Drive scheduled for 8:30 am – 2:30pm on Saturday, April 6th will kick off
the IDS’ monumental initiative:
• Organizing blood drives to be held every two months at Ambergris Hope Hospital.
• Establishing streamlined practices to mobilize emergency Blood Drives.
• Formation and education of a volunteer youth squad.
• Helping other districts increase their donor population.
• Raising of funds for necessary equipment to advance Blood Collection in Belize.
2023 statistics reflect a 12% voluntary donor base in Belize.
With your help, IDS is committed to helping raise it to 25%!
Support is needed in these critical areas:

• Financial Contributions
• Adult and Youth Volunteers
• Donors, donors, donors!

To qualify as a donor you must:

• Be between the ages of 18 and 65.
• Have no tattoos or piercings in the last year.
• Have no allergies to medicines.
• More (to be screened in appointment scheduling).

To schedule an appointment time (strongly encouraged) please visit Island Donors Squad Facebook page and send your preferred time via Facebook messenger before 9 pm April 5th. Qualified walk-ins are welcome! Donors Please be mindful to abstain from alcohol and smoking the night before.

Help is also needed from volunteers. Please let us know your skills and availability.
Join the Island Donors Squad.
Make a difference by Strengthening Blood Collection in Belize!

Huge Success Flowing for Island Donors Squad

The inaugural blood drive launched on Saturday, April 6th at Ambergris Hope Hospital in San Pedro was monumental in so many ways. Island Donors Squad hit the ground running.

More than 15 registrants and walk-ins turned out to donate and 11 pints were collected. Thedrive inspired equally many volunteer adults and youth.

Important developments occurred during the drive:

● Plans for Immediate Ambergris Caye expansion and education through
Community Health Worker, Martha Rosado.
● Outreach from for replacement information from Corozal
● Outreach from Placencia wanting a drive.
● Development of a rare blood type list and added four O - persons.
● Medical supplies (gloves donation from Abner Bacab of Island Emergency Services
● Island Donors Squad learned that setting a donor target of 18 - 24 years of age is necessary.
● Cursory plans for celebration of June 14th World Donor Day
● 2 pints replacement blood allocated and 2 in process of allocation. Both cases were medical emergencies in process.

We believe people experiencing a medical emergency should not have the added stress of self advocating for blood to replace what they needed back into the blood bank.

Five Students from San Pedro High School became founding members of our Island Youth Squad and raised over $500 BZ in their dollar drive efforts. A hearty congratulations and thank you to San Pedro High School students Abner Balab, Rochelle Acosta, Jasmine Euceda, Jatziris Juarez and Estrella Roano.

Drive day Aftercare was a big hit with donors and volunteers.

Both Belize Chocolate and Caye Coffee Roasting Company LTD. donated truffles and single serve coffee for the lucky first 15 donors.

Drive day healthy mocktails were tantalizing: Blueberry Bliss by Wayos Beach Bar and Lemongrass Cooler Splash by Playa de Sala Adults Only Boutique Hotel. Orders for 7 more gallons of the Lemongrass Cooler beverage crafted by Playa De Sala were placed by volunteers and donors. Check their cocktails when you next visit Playa or drink in the scenery at Wayo’s on your next visit.

Squad bakers cooked with love, Gloria Affigne Glen Sharer-Clouatre and Island Rosemary.

Important Support

The support of Mayor Wally Nunez Miguel Perez and San Pedro Town Council staff was and is instrumental to our success in this comprehensive mission.

Other local businesses that helped make the Blood Drive a collaborative success.

Brooklyn Brothers Bagel Shop
Caribbean Villas Hotel
Caye Coffee Roasting Company LTD.
Caye to the Heart
La Divina Providencia
Pupuseria El Salvadoreño
Rocks Golf Cart Rentals
Sandbar Beachfront Restaurant and Hostel
San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi
The Village Supermarket
Tropicana Golf Carts

Five workers from Belize National Blood Transfusion Services (BNBTS): Mariela Cho, Adrian Martinez, Erinn Walford, Neidy Rodriguez, Nyasha Viamille

Other Squad volunteers: Pam Ridge Sabet, Dominic Hardman and Kay Joy Hardiman, Carol Taylor, Deborah Stacy, Michelle Sauer-Ward, Pete Davis
Susan Danner Fenske, tacogirl and Felecia Fischell.

In support of IDS’ commitment to raise the inventory of blood and increase the donor population to 25% of Belize citizens, another drive will occur sometime in June. Please like and frequent

ISLAND DONORS SQUAD page on Facebook and let us know how you want to contribute to this momentous, life-saving cause.

San Pedro has a lot to give. There’s much work to be done. Come join us!