Petrina Francis, Staff Reporter

More high school students are coming forward to donate blood, according to Carol Williams, blood donor organiser for the Blood Bank.

The programme, which began in schools in 2003 and kicked off fully two years ago, targets fifth and sixth formers who are usually between the ages of 17 and 18. The Blood Bank stipulates that persons over 17 years can give blood.

"Younger people are healthier and we want to start a habit for life," Mrs. Williams said at the Lucozade/Blood Bank Blood Drive held at the Holy Cross Church, St. Andrew on Tuesday.

When The Gleaner visited the Church Hall, several persons, including students, were seen waiting to get there blood tested or were relaxing after they gave blood.

Saskia Newton, sixth form student at The Queen's School, told The Gleaner that she took the decision to donate blood because it was for a good cause.

Encouraging others

"And each bag can save a life," she said. The student who gave blood for the first time encouraged others to do the same, adding that it was nothing to be afraid of.

Seventeen-year-old Saheana Patterson, also of The Queen's School, said the Blood Bank has always experienced a shortage of blood supply and she decided to contribute the precious commodity so as to save somebody's life.

"I feel proud of myself that I gave blood," said Camille Moore, a sixth form student at the Queen's School.

Glaxosmithkline is the main sponsor of the schools' blood donation programme.

Robeth Streete, GlaxoSmithKline marketing manager for the Caribbean, said her company is a health care organisation and is aimed at helping people feel better and live longer.

Each person is given Lucozade to drink following the donation of blood.

petrina.francis@gleanerjm.com