Ambulatory Healthcare Services runs blood donation campaign for employees and community

Abu Dhabi Mobile Blood Bank, which operates under the direction of Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, visited the AHS Head Office on Wednesday from 8:30 AM. The campaign was scheduled to end at 1:00 PM but was extended to 4:30 PM due to the large turnout. More than 100 persons turned up; however, some were turned away because they did not meet the eligibility while others came after all the blood bags were used. A total of 86 donors donated blood.

Prior to the day, AHS conducted a large marketing campaign targeting AHS employees and the surrounding community through posters, emails, rollups, and door-to-door distribution of flyers informing people of the date and time. In addition, flyers containing information about blood donation and eligibility criteria were distributed in order to educate people.

The event was officially opened by AHS CEO, Mr. Rashid Saif Al Qubaisi, and a number of AHS executives, in addition to representatives from Education department of Abu Dhabi Police, one of the departments located in the same building as AHS.

The donation process began with the filling of a questionnaire, after which Abu Dhabi Blood Bank medical staff performed tests on the blood donors for hemoglobin, blood pressure and blood type to ensure that the donor meets the donation criteria. Upon confirming eligibility, the blood collection process began and took approximately 10-20 minutes per donor.

Mr. Mohamad Hawas, Chief Support Services Officer, praised the efforts of the AHS and Mobile Blood Bank staff for organizing the event. He also commented, "The overwhelming response received today reaffirms the commitment of AHS staff to serving the community and involving the community in serving Abu Dhabi residents. We plan to host more of these drives in cooperation with the Mobile Abu Dhabi Blood Bank, whom I would like to thank for their efforts in making this event a success."

Following the donation, donors were invited to a snacks and refreshments buffet and were presented with some token gifts for their participation in the drive.