Overwhelming response for blood donations

BLOOD donors were lined up down the stairs from the first floor of the Engomi Health Centre in NIcosia from 9am yesterday eager to donate blood for the injured.

Yesterday’s tragic explosion leaving 62 injured caused an urgent demand for blood.

Engomi Mayor Nicos Pavlitis who praised the public response, expressed great sorrow for the victims and their families.

The Engomi Municipality had donated food and drinks to all those who gave blood at the centre yesterday.

Alexandra Iacovou, a Nicosia social worker at the Strovolos Municipality said:  “Donating blood was the least I could do”. Similar sentiments were expressed by Civil servant Costandia Sergi and 18-year-old Giorgos Stylianou, a soldier who were among those who lined up.

The Engomi’s Blood Bank had called all their regular donors to assist with donations from early yesterday morning “They called me at 8am this morning asking me to come donate blood.

They called me three times” said Eleftherios Zachariatis. Donors were checked of a regular blood pressure and a general health check questionnaire was carried out before they were allowed to give blood.

Dr Georgia Karakatsiakos, 35, a general practitioner at the centre, was distraught over what happened but grateful with the response, “We are urging anyone and everyone to give blood. We do prefer A, B and AB blood types but any blood given will be appreciated. I cannot believe this has happened, I drove into the health centre’s parking lot this morning and was shocked at the number of cars parked outside and the people lined up”.

Engomi Health centre Blood Bank Manager Socrates Menelaou expressed sincere satisfaction and gratitude for the immense interest that was shown. ”I want to thank all those who have gone to great lengths to help with this tragic situation. The great number of donations the centre has and is yet to receive has brought us out of a difficult situation. I would never have expected the interest, assistance and help we received today”.

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