Close to 100 people got free health screenings at the fifth annual Health Fair and Blood Drive Saturday. But only a little more than a dozen people gave blood.
“We need more people to donate blood,” said Debra Andrews, blood bank technician at Gov. Juan F. Luis Hospital. “Donating is truly the gift of life. Actually only 45 minutes of your time can save a life.”
People can’t and don’t give blood for any number of reasons, with fear being the biggest reason, Andrews said. The procedure is painless, safe and confidential, she said. Phlebotomists were drawing blood in the Gov. Juan F. Luis Hospital mobile blood unit in the parking lot of St. Croix Rescue near Five Corners from early morning to early afternoon.
“It was painless,” said Sandra Phaire, executive director of VICARE. Phaire said the worst part was the wait after the initial test to see if she was eligible to donate. “People need to give. You never know when family may need blood.”
Andrews said the blood can be purchased from the American Red Cross out of Puerto Rico at $210 a unit (pint). “It is only $60 to process local samples,” Andrews said. “Juan F. Luis Hospital spends thousands a month on blood.”
Two St. Croix Rotary Clubs and St. Croix Rescue sponsored the event. Lionel Downer, Harborside Rotarian and an organizer of the drive, said it makes sense to donate to the local blood bank.
“The local blood donations would save money that could be used for supplies and equipment at the hospital.” Downer said.
Gail Bourdon, president of the St. Croix Rotary, the other sponsoring club, said a lot of the people who come to health fairs don’t have insurance and Rotary, as a service club, is glad to be able to help provide the screenings.
“I came to find out if everything is OK until I can get to the doctor,” Rose Marie Joseph said. “I decided I had to come and get this done here free.”
Emergency medical technicians did screenings for blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol. Dr. Carolyn Merritt, a dermatologist, did physical exams for skin ailments and spoke about precautions to take in the tropics to prevent skin cancer. Dr. Angelo Galiber gave a presentation on preventing cancer with lifestyle changes. Chiropractor Alicia Lewitt was on hand to advise people on treating back pain. Social worker Dianne Brinker offered info on where to seek treatment for mental health issues.
Dr. Richard Olans, infectious disease specialist at the Department of Health, manned the exit table reviewing testing and referring participants to professionals.
VICARE, Ten Thousand Helpers and the Department of Health division of mental health and substance abuse gave out literature and answered questions about services they provide. EMTs demonstrated extrications and showed off the new “Squad One” vehicle with all the lifesaving equipment an EMT needs at his or her fingertips.
“The whole point of this fair was to refer people on where to go to get treatment if we find they might need it,” said Brinker, who is also a Rotarian said.
