Celebrating World Blood Donor Day in Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands Health Services Authority (HSA), along with the Cayman Blood Donor Services, hosted another successful blood drive on June 13th, to celebrate the 12th annual World Blood Donor Day.

The blood donor drive was held at the Cayman Islands Hospital Atrium and featured live entertainment from Andy Blake and the Swanky Kitchen Band.

Ms Judith Clarke, HSA Laboratory Manager, said this year was a true success with over 70 people being processed and out of that we are pleased to welcome 38 new registered donors.

“The main objectives of World Blood Donor Day are to educate the community about blood donation and to increase our donor data base.” Ms Clarke said. “We were pleased to have repeat donors come and donate in addition to the newly registered individuals,”

“This year’s theme was ‘Thank you for saving my life’ which highlights why it is so important to donate. One pint of blood can save up to three lives,” Ms Clarke said.

“We are always in the need for blood donations and often have to call people in when their specific blood type is needed, so we encourage those eligible to donate as often as they are able.”

HSA staff were also on hand to register individuals for the new Patient Portal. The portal is a free service allowing patients to get online access to test results and other medical history, request and cancel appointments and send a secure message to the HSA care team.

Anyone interested in becoming a donor or scheduling an appointment to donate, please call 345-244-2612 or 345-326-2971.

Free HIV testing and counseling in Cayman Islands June 2015

Through the collaborative efforts of the Health Services Authority (HSA), the Cayman AIDS Foundation and the Red Cross, free HIV Testing and counseling has been organized and will run from Monday 22 June to Saturday 27, June 2015. The theme remains; Take the Test Take Control.

This initiative is in keeping with international and regional HIV testing Days where during this observance, people are provided with the opportunity to visit Testing Sites to participate in voluntary HIV counseling and testing conducted by trained and experienced personnel. HIV Counseling and Testing is an important entry point into comprehensive HIV prevention and treatment programs and services. Counseling and Testing programs provide an opportunity for more persons to know their HIV status; for the at risk clients to receive risk reduction counseling and support to stay negative; and for HIV infected client to be referred early into treatment and care programs and further counseled and supported.

Knowing ones HIV status gives one the power to control their health and their future.

Special arrangements have been implemented to facilitate speed and confidentiality for HIV testing activities during the week’s observance. No appointment is necessary during this week, and the waiting time for testing is usually no more than ten minutes. Persons seeking testing or counseling need to indicate to the registration clerks that they would like to register for free HIV screening. The results will be available in three working days. The results will be given to the patient only, who must return to clinic where the test was taken to retrieve the results.

There are several ways to avoid or reduce the chances of being exposed:

*           Being faithful with a partner who is also faithful; or

*           Abstinence; or

*           Always using protection (condoms) in sexual encounters.

*           Avoid the use of illicit intravenous drugs

The Public Health Department is also reminding the Public that Free HIV screening is offered year round each Tuesday at the Cayman Islands Red Cross at 9:00 a.m .

For more information about HIV Testing Week, contact HIV/AIDS Coordinator Laura Elniski   at 244-2507 or [email protected] or Health Promotion Officer Therese Prehay at 244-2632 or [email protected].

For a full schedule and list of free HIV testing sites, go to www.hsa.ky