Accra: The Ho Teaching Hospital, in collaboration with Sonrise Christian High School, has organized a blood donation exercise to restock the hospital's blood bank and promote voluntary blood donation among the public. The exercise, held at the hospital premises, was part of the school's 20th anniversary celebrations and coincided with the hospital's Customer Service Week. It aimed to strengthen community partnership in saving lives and inspire civic responsibility among young people.
According to Ghana News Agency, the event brought together students, staff, and healthcare professionals in a remarkable display of compassion and patriotism, reflecting the shared vision of both institutions to contribute to public health. Mr. Kennedy Mensah, Blood Donor Recruiter at the Ho Teaching Hospital, highlighted that the hospital continues to face periodic shortages of blood due to a decline in voluntary donations, especially among the youth.
"In recent years, patriotism among the youth regarding blood donation has dropped. Many people no longer come forward voluntarily to donate and save lives," he said. The hospital now depends largely on organized groups such as schools, churches, and community associations to sustain blood supplies. "When groups like Sonrise organize donation drives, they help us maintain steady reserves that save lives every single day," he stated.
Mr. Mensah explained that blood usage at the Ho Teaching Hospital had risen sharply due to an increase in advanced medical procedures performed at the facility, including dialysis and emergency surgeries. "Dialysis patients alone may need up to six units of blood weekly, and with over 50 patients, you can imagine the demand. We also handle road traffic accident cases, maternity complications, and major surgeries that often require urgent transfusions," he said.
He commended Sonrise Christian High School for its consistent support, noting that the school had organized several blood donation exercises over the years. "Sonrise Christian High School donates blood about three times every year, and they have been very consistent. Their efforts are saving lives," he said.
According to him, the Ho Teaching Hospital was being developed into a regional blood transfusion center to serve both the Volta and Oti regions. "This means all blood collected from hospitals in the two regions will be processed, screened, and distributed through the Ho Teaching Hospital," he revealed.
Mr. Mensah used the opportunity to dispel fears surrounding blood donation, assuring the public that the process was safe, simple, and beneficial. "The only discomfort is a small prick from the needle. Otherwise, there is no pain. In fact, donors benefit from free health screening, which can help detect potential medical conditions early," he said.
Mr. Mensah encouraged other educational institutions, religious bodies, and individuals to emulate the example, emphasizing that "one pint of blood can save up to three lives." "This collaboration between a school and a healthcare institution is a shining example of how communities can come together to solve real challenges," he said. "Donating blood is not just a medical act - it is an act of patriotism."
Mr. Priscus Ankon, Public Relations Officer of Sonrise Christian High School, said the initiative reflected the school's commitment to social responsibility. "As we celebrate two decades of academic excellence, it is equally important to give back to society. Supporting the hospital through this donation is part of our way of saying thank you to the community," he said. He added that the school would continue to collaborate with the hospital and other institutions on initiatives that promote health and well-being.
At the close of the exercise, donors were presented with blood donor certificates, beverages, and tokens of appreciation in recognition of their life-saving gesture. Hospital officials expressed profound gratitude to the management, staff, and students of the school for their compassion and partnership.