Recognizing the vital role of voluntary blood donors in our country, San Pedro Roman Catholic Church (SPRCC) invited Island Donors Squad (IDS) to organize a donor recruitment drive for Sunday, June 15, 2025. Washington University of Health and Science students were also present, offering complimentary vitals checks to members of the church.
The large group blood donor registration event was a success, with 17 church members registered and 30 members getting their vitals checked. All church members who registered as blood donors were entered into a drawing to win one of two hemoglobin tests to assess their iron levels from Ambergris Hope Hospital (AHH). Congratulations to raffle winners, Jilmar Lopez and Carmen Munoz, who each won a complimentary test by registering with IDS as a blood donor.
The recruitment of SPRCC helps towards increasing the island’s voluntary blood donor population in IDS blood drives at AHH and builds the Hospital’s reserve. Recruiting donors from independent groups also serves people countrywide.
Blood Donors Needed
Join in July and help strengthen blood collection in Belize! – If you would like to have vitals and donor recruiting for your group please reach out to IDS. An upcoming Island Donors Squad blood drive will be held on July 5th, 2025 at Ambergris Hope Hospital from 8:30 – 2:00 pm. All who pre-register will be entered for a chance to win a $100 gift certificate at Caribbean Spice Belize.
To Register please Facebook message Island Donors Squad or email idsbelize@gmail.com. Residents in all districts in Belize are encouraged to register with IDS as a voluntary blood donor.
Health Tip for Blood Donors: If your hemoglobin screening reveals low iron levels, incorporating iron-rich foods into your diet can help boost your levels. Add vitamin C to your diet to increase iron absorption. This helps for successful blood donation and overall wellness. Iron is crucial for creating red blood cells, as it is an essential component of hemoglobin, which is the protein that enables red blood cells to transport oxygen throughout the body.
Iron-rich foods to add to your diet before donating to ensure a healthy
hemoglobin level:
● Beans – packed with iron and easy to find.
● Cashews – locally grown and provide both iron and healthy fats.
● Pumpkin seeds/pepitas – excellent source of iron for snacking or adding
to salads.
● Callaloo, chaya and spinach – all are rich in iron and locally grown.
Being a healthy voluntary blood donor is a rewarding opportunity. Give blood, give hope: together we save lives!
