07/09/2022
Let’s all be Patriotic!
Give Blood, Save Lives!
Sewa TT gives our commitment to be relentless in pursuing this goal of TRUE Voluntary Blood Donation for Trinidad and Tobago, our nation. Collectively, we will remedy this problem.
Revan Teelucksingh
President of Sewa TT
TITLE: Let’s all be Patriotic!
Give Blood, Save Lives!
Families that donate together
Sewa TT has in its volunteer database many families that have prioritised blood donation. Two that stand out are the Bhagwat’s and the Ramswarup's whom have both contributed to the national blood bank over 100 units of blood combined. The Bhagwat’s family in Central consists of eight (8) family members who have been donating consistently and regularly for the past fifteen years. The Ramswarup's family also are eight (8) regular blood donors who have recruited many more from their extended family circle. Many Sewa TT families eagerly anticipate their children’s 18th birthday so that they can qualify to join the voluntary donor pool. Crystal Ramswarup had 3 healthy and wonderful children through caesarean sections. For each Caesarean section, 2 units of blood are usually required to be on standby in case of emergency. As a family they knew they had enough people who could donate if required.
Why Sewa TT took up Blood donation?
Sewa TT identifies issues of national importance that can be improved by volunteerism.
In 2007 a survey was done that identified specific demographics of people and how they donate blood. This survey revealed that there were many misconceptions in giving blood in all sectors of society and set out to debunk these myths. To date, Sewa TT has completed 40 blood donation drives and can confidently report that our quiet work over 15 years have removed most of these misconceptions.
Giving blood is the most patriotic action one can perform for one's country. We give a resource that is unique to us and for minimal discomfort we can save up to 3 lives.
At present Trinidad and Tobago collects less than half of the blood required for the healthcare system with profound consequences to life. We determined that as a nation we can come together to fix this issue. Sewa TT believes that by 2024 we will move from 20,000 units per year to 40,000 units per year, 100% voluntary.
Sewa TT gives our commitment to be relentless in pursuing this goal of TRUE Voluntary Blood Donation for Trinidad and Tobago, our nation. Collectively, we will remedy this problem.
Revan Teelucksingh
President of Sewa TT
