San Pedro Blood Drive Secures 17 Lifesaving Pints

On September 5th, the San Pedro Community Blood Drive Group hosted its latest blood drive at the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II, collecting 17 pints of blood. The drive ran from 8AM to 2:30PM and welcomed residents who came out to donate.
A total of 29 islanders attended the event, of whom 17 qualified to donate blood. Two therapeutic donors also participated. Therapeutic phlebotomy is a medical procedure in which blood is removed to reduce excess red blood cells or high iron levels in the body.
The community blood drive group has been working over the past several months to increase the availability of blood for medical emergencies involving San Pedro residents. During each drive, medical personnel and volunteers assist with screening participants and ensuring that those who qualify are healthy and fit to donate.
Eligible donors were escorted to a designated room, where one pint of blood was collected from each person. After the procedure, donors were observed for a few minutes and given refreshments before being allowed to leave.
The team, which includes members of the island community and personnel from the Belize City Blood Bank, thanked everyone who supported the initiative. Organizers explained that each donation could help the donor or another person during an emergency requiring a blood transfusion due to an accident, surgery, or other medical condition.
According to the group, the continued demand for blood at hospitals across the country remains one of the main reasons it regularly organizes blood drives in San Pedro. Building a reliable supply is especially important for island residents who may require emergency treatment or transfer to a mainland medical facility.
The group’s next blood drive is scheduled for December 5th and will be its final drive for 2026. Interested donors are encouraged to get a good night’s sleep before the event. On the morning of the drive, potential donors should eat a healthy, iron-rich meal and drink plenty of fluids. They are also advised to avoid consuming alcohol the night before donating.
Anyone who requires blood for a patient during an emergency or needs additional information can contact the San Pedro Community Blood Drive Group at 615-4300.