Shootings, stabbings and road crashes are among serious illnesses that are placing sustained pressure on Barbados’ blood supply, with health officials warning that consistent, voluntary donations are critical to keeping lifesaving reserves at safe levels.

The appeal came during the launch of National Blood Donor Month activities at the Barbados National Blood Collection Centre, Ladymeade Gardens, Jemmotts Lane, where the women’s lifestyle brand and community organisation Egi Women and partners officially acknowledged World Blood Donor Day with a blood drive.

“We have had a lot of murders and other unfortunate incidents this year and that has really, really stretched us,” said senior blood collecting technician Wendy Lorde.