HWC Bikers Blood Drive heads to western Jamaica

FOLLOWING THE success of the National Helmet Wearing Coalition’s (NHWC) Bikers Blood Drive in Kingston, the NHWC will be replicating the initiative in western Jamaica. At 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 12, bikers, couriers, and road safety advocates will gather at the Cornwall Regional Hospital for the Western Edition of the Bikers Blood Drive, continuing the mission to save lives and strengthen road safety.

At the previous blood drive held on February 22, at the National Chest Hospital, more than 100 people turned out in support of the initiative and the collection of more than 45 pints of blood, 15 pints more than the typical blood drive collection.

Igol Allen, blood donor organiser at the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS), described the event as a major success, not only in blood collection, but also in raising awareness.

“This blood drive was a resounding success, not just in terms of donations, but also in educating the public about blood transfusion, safety, and staying within the law when operating a motorcycle,” Allen said.

“Additionally, from an education and safety standpoint, we want to see fewer road crashes, and in cases where they do happen, we want riders to have the necessary safety gear, including certified helmets.”

With western Jamaica leading in motorcycle-related fatalities this year, the NHWC is calling on the biking community to act, not just by riding safer, but by donating blood to support Jamaica’s healthcare system. With a low blood supply annually, every pint counts in helping trauma victims, the NBTS said, including those injured in motorcycle crashes and those managing chronic conditions such as anaemia.

“This initiative fosters trust with the motorcycle community and promotes safer helmet practices,” said Claudine Allen, general manager of the JN Foundation. “Importantly too, the activity draws attention to the ubiquitous, but often over-looked burden on the healthcare systemb caused by road crashes.”

She added that while all Jamaicans should donate blood, motorcycle drivers and other frequent road-users have a greater responsibility to donate regularly, because of the high incidences of crashes requiring serious medical support.

The NHWC has been actively working to increase helmet compliance and safer riding practices, and the Bikers’ Blood Drive is another step in that direction. With motorcycle crashes accounting for over 35 per cent of all road fatalities last year, the urgency for certified helmet use and responsible riding is more urgent than ever.

Dr Lucien Jones, vice chairman of the National Road Safety Council, emphasised the dual impact of this initiative.

“This isn’t just about supplying blood; it’s about pushing for safer riding practices that prevent tragedies in the first place.”

The NHWC is proud to collaborate with Aklamar Couriers and Daylight Motorsport for this Western Edition of the Bikers’ Blood Drive. Marlon ‘Cutter’ Fletcher, NHWC community engagement lead, reflected on the momentum which this initiative is building.

Fletcher emphasised that increasing awareness is a crucial step toward achieving real change on the roads.