Staff and visitors at Walsall Manor Hospital are being invited to discover their blood type and help a local charity to save lives across the borough’s communities.
Plasma of Hope supports people living with genetic blood disorders such as Sickle Cell and Thalassemia, as well as survivors of associated complications including stroke and other health issues resulting in disability.
It is working in partnership with Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust and NHS Blood and Transplant to stage a blood testing event on Monday 5 June at the hospital. This session is being supported by the Trust’s BAME Council.
Carol King-Stephens, BAME Council member, said: “We are proud to work with such an important charity to raise awareness of these blood disorders as well as encourage more African and Asian donors to come forward to donate blood to help others.
“The session will run between 7.30am and 2.30pm in the Outpatients Department on Route 006 of the hospital where people can take a quick finger prick test to identify their blood type and find out more about donation which is vital for so many people in our communities living with these conditions.”
Marie-Claire Kofi runs Plasma of Hope and she explained that people with Sickle Cell for example need regular blood transfusions.
“Currently, more black donors are needed in particular because of the demand for some rare blood types more common in people of black heritage,” she said.
“Did you know that one blood donation can save three lives in just one hour? Giving blood is such a wonderful gift and we hope our event will encourage people to consider this.
“The finger prick tests we will be doing on the day identify vulnerable and rare blood types. If eligible, individuals will be registered to donate blood at the nearest mobile blood sessions that will be set up across the Black Country by NHS Blood and Transplant.
“Life can be a real struggle for many living with Sickle Cell as it not only affects the everyday routines most people take for granted but it can result in repeated hospital admissions which also affects mental health. Our mission is to alleviate their struggles and improve their quality of life.”
