Need for apheresis donors highlighted following World Blood Donor Day

Thursday 19 June 2025: Following World Blood Donor Day on 14 June, the Bermuda Blood Donor Centre is inviting the community to consider donating blood and learn more about apheresis—a special kind of blood donation.

Whole blood or apheresis donations are the key to survival for many patients in critical need.

“Traditional blood donation is incredibly important and apheresis donation allows us collect a larger number of separated blood components that are critical for many medical treatments, such as treating cancer patients,” says Consultant Haematologist and Chief of Pathology Dr Eyitayo Fakunle.

To help improve the understanding of apheresis donation, a five-minute video has been produced that has been posted to the BHB Youtube channel and its Facebook and LinkedIn pages. The goal of the video is to explain the apheresis process as it is slightly different to whole blood donation. Click here for the video on Youtube.

“Apheresis is a slightly longer process than whole blood donation, and there are other considerations for someone to be a suitable candidate for this kind of donation,” says Dr Fakunle. “We are therefore hoping to bring more awareness to this type of donation as we would like more apheresis donors.”

As a token of thanks, all Bermuda apheresis donors went into a special draw and six lucky winners won a Masters gift certificate for $250. The photo attached is of the apheresis donors in the ACW lobby with the Bermuda Blood Donor Centre team.

Comments from Bermuda’s apheresis donors:

Jayne Kendall, says: “Apheresis can be used to help cancer patients, sickle cell patients, trauma victims, and others with serious medical conditions. Apheresis allows you to donate specific blood components—like platelets, plasma, or red blood cells—depending on what’s most needed. I was told that it does take longer to donate and then asked if I wanted to become a donor. It was really a no brainer. One of my best friends died of cancer in 2018. When I donate I think of her and what she went through undergoing chemotherapy. Sitting in a chair for 2 hours every quarter doing my donation is the least I can do if it helps someone.”

James Gould Jnr, says: “My message would be that I encourage everyone who is willing and able to participate, there are very few people on island who donate to this cause and the short shelf life of platelets mixed with the limited donor system leads all people on our island at risk. One hour every few months in exchange for potentially saving a life is an hour better spent than anything else you would be doing. For those afraid of needles, don’t look if you don’t want to but you will not feel the process at all, it is painless: the ladies at the clinic are highly talented and a joy to visit. For as long as I am able, I will continue to donate to this worthy cause.”

Wayne Dill says: “Apheresis as a selfless privilege given the specific blood products which are collected. For me, it is a tremendous feeling to do something which is altruistic and of immediate benefit.”

Austin Kenny says: I’ve been told that 1-in-3 will bleed blood in their lifetime, but only 1 – in – 30 donate. I’m not sure how the numbers stack up in Bermuda, but in a small community I know that my donation is helping. Donating is usually a nice little break from the chaos. Sitting still and being calm but also being helpful and productive is great. And the staff are always so kind, always nearby. Donating is such a small act that can have such a huge impact. Please call the Blood Donor Centre and find out how you can help those in need. “It’s in you to give”

What Is apheresis and why does it matter?

Apheresis is a special donation method where only specific components of the blood—such as platelets, plasma or red blood cells—are collected, and the rest is returned to the donor. This is different to whole blood donation, where half a pint of whole blood is donated. This method:

• Maximizes each donation, often helping multiple patients.
• Is essential for cancer patients, trauma victims, and those with rare blood disorders.
• Supports patients undergoing major surgeries or dealing with chronic conditions like aplastic anaemia and immune deficiencies.
• Unlike regular whole blood donations, apheresis provides a customised lifeline for many patients.

Why donate?

• Blood and apheresis donations are a safe, comfortable, and highly effective way to help treat many different medical conditions and save lives.
• All donated blood and blood products are used in Bermuda; and in Bermuda 100% of our blood is from voluntary donations from residents. This is how we look out for each other!
• Blood donation takes about half an hour, and apheresis donation takes about an hour.
• Donations made now can replenish low supplies and prepare the hospital for upcoming needs so it is there for emergencies as well as planned treatments.
• You can relax while you donate! We have comfortable blood donation chairs with a specially warmed blanket, and we’ll serve you refreshments and cookies at the end.

Join Us—Save Lives

We encourage you to:

• Book an appointment by calling 236-5067, WhatsApp 533-9553 or email blood.donor@bhb.bm.
• Learn more about how apheresis donation works, and consider joining our apheresis donors, especially if you already donate blood.
• Spread the word—you may inspire someone else to donate.
• If you’re healthy, over 18 (or 17 with parental consent) and meet general donation guidelines, you could be someone’s hero. Check out the blood donation criteria at bermudahospitals.bm.

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