In a collaborative effort with Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), McPherson University successfully concluded a two-day World Blood Donor Day event, culminating in an impressive turnout of over 30 eligible blood donors. The initiative, themed “Give Blood, Give Hope,” aimed to address the critical shortage of blood supply and provide practical experience for aspiring medical laboratory scientists.
The event, was meticulously organised to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants. Donors underwent a thorough screening process to confirm their fitness before proceeding to the bleeding room. Following the donation, a post-bleeding screening was conducted to monitor any complications, and donors were presented with a token of appreciation for their invaluable service.
Mr. Adeyemi Adebayo, representing Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, highlighted the strong partnership between the two institutions. “McPherson is one of the universities in the country that proudly trains competent Medical Laboratory Scientists,” Mr. Adebayo stated. “Our collaboration has been seamless, owing to OOUTH’s standing as a foremost government medical hospital and the fact that McPherson students undertake their practical postings and training with us.”
He further detailed the event’s structure, noting that “the event started yesterday, which was the eve of World Blood Donor Day, with sensitization, seminars, and awareness programs. Today, donors were invited to come forward.” Mr. Adebayo expressed satisfaction with the outcome, adding, “The turnout has been encouraging, with over 30 donors who were fit to donate. This is impressive considering this is the first time the university is doing this. It is a sign that subsequent editions will be better.”
Miss Ebo Eunice Ayooluwa, a Medical Laboratory Scientist at McPherson University, elaborated on the crucial need for such initiatives. “Yearly, people lose their lives due to blood loss, and there is a short supply of it,” Miss Ayooluwa explained. “In response to this, the WHO has designated a day to conduct a drive that offers hope to patients in need of blood.”
She further emphasized the strategic decision to partner with OOUTH, stating, “To make the event more effective and grand, we decided to do this with OOU so that they can bring to the fore their wealth of experience and expertise on the subject, and also give our students practical, hands-on experience of what it takes to organize a blood drive.” Miss Ayooluwa also acknowledged the existing robust collaborative efforts between the university and the hospital, which facilitated the smooth execution of the event.
Reflecting on the success, Miss Ayooluwa concluded, “In all, we thank God for the success of the event, because indeed we were not thinking so many people would be interested, but because of our can-do spirit and drive, we were able to do this. Hopefully, next year will be even better.”
The successful maiden World Blood Donor Day event by McPherson University and OOUTH underscores their commitment to community health and the practical training of future medical professionals, promising an even greater impact in the years to come.
