Malta’s Blood Bank opens everyday between 8am and 6pm even on holidays and it is in constant need of donations.

It is often easy to put your hands in your pocket and donate money but blood is a gift that cannot be bought and the best gift you can give at these times. Blood cannot be bought.

Blood shortages are common at this time of year as a result of road accidents, among other reasons.

You can help the National Blood Transfusion Service not only by donating blood but also by raising awareness about the importance of giving blood. 

Volunteers can encourage their employers, colleagues, families and friends to become donors or organise a blood drive. Posters and other informative material can also be distributed at workplaces or organisations and volunteers may not necessarily be donors 

If you often think of going to give blood but fail to do so on a regular basis because the centre might be out of your way, contact the blood bank to organise a blood drive and encourage family members and friends to donate. A total of at least 25 donors or more need to be recruited and one has to keep in touch with them, so that they can be reminded when the event is near. Contact the blood bank on 7930-7307 or 2206-6201 for further information. 

■ Carl Grech

Msida