Program Objectives
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Collect 1000 pints of
blood
Our firm health program's objective is to collect 1000 pints of blood, contributing to a vital resource that saves lives and promotes community well-being.
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To use technology in
blood donation exercise to
drive data collection
Our firm health program aims to leverage technology during blood donation exercises to enhance data collection, ensuring a more efficient and informed approach to meeting the needs of our community.
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To encourage
first-time donors.
Our objective is to inspire and encourage first-time donors, fostering a sense of community engagement and cultivating a new generation of lifesaving contributors to our blood donation initiatives.
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To raise awareness
about the importance of blood
donation
Our firm health program aims to leverage technology during blood donation exercises to enhance data collection, ensuring a more efficient and informed approach to meeting the needs of our community.
Planning and Preparation
| Organizing Committee | Pre-event Publicity | Partnerships |
|---|---|---|
|
The organizing committee and their roles: a. Dr. Sylvester Akpah – Coordinator (Tarkwa Senior High School) b. Dr. Joseph Darko – Coordinator (Fiaseman Senior High School) c. Vondee Selasie – Head, IT d. Charles Ababio – Head, Counselling e. Nana Agyemang – Assistant, Counselling f. Ms. Karen Donkor – Head, Volunteers g. Michael Hammond – Head, Logistics h. Samuel Kumah – Head, Communication i. Andrews Kwabena Sah – Head, Laboratory |
The event utilized various publicity strategies, including: a. Radio Publicity: Several media outlets, including Adwinpa FM, Dynamite FM, Space FM, Medeama FM, Owass FM, and Mining City Radio, actively promoted the event over a two-week period. b. Community radio outlets, posters, and banners were also used. c. Television: A live in-studio session with Citi TV’s Breakfast Daily | The foundation forged partnerships with various entities, including Pinto Government Hospital, Tarkwa Municipal Hospital, Tarkwa Government Hospital in Bogoso, Tarkwa Senior High School, Fiaseman Senior High School, Goldfields Ghana Foundation, Fiasseman Rural Bank PLC, Rotary Club of Tarkwa, Dakete Company Limited, Mobik Energy, Mohammed Brothers Company Limited, So Nice Drinking Water, KSD Media, Smart Innovations Ghana Limited, Melon Estates, and Classic Christken Company Limited. |
Blood Collection Statistics
Event Date and Venue
The blood donation exercise was held on 29th September 2023 at Tarsco and Fiasec. The venues were equipped with medical facilities, staffed by trained professionals, and organized to ensure a smooth donation process for all participants.
Participation
We were thrilled to have 660 donors participate in the exercise. These donors included individuals from various age groups, professions, and backgrounds, demonstrating the community's unity in supporting this vital cause.
Blood Units Collected
A total of 327 units of blood were collected during the exercise. 197 units from Tarkwa Senior High School and 130 units from Fiaseman Senior High School. Each unit of blood has the potential to save multiple lives, making this collection a significant contribution to local hospitals and patients in need.
Volunteer Support
The event received tremendous support from dedicated volunteers who assisted with registration, donor care, refreshments, and overall event management. Their enthusiasm and commitment were instrumental in ensuring the event's success.
Donor Engagement
Donors were actively engaged through informative sessions about the importance of blood donation.
Community Outreach
The exercise received extensive coverage through local media channels and social media platforms. This outreach helped in reaching a broader audience, resulting in increased awareness about the ongoing need for blood donations.
Event Activites
| Registration | Health Screening | Blood Donation Process | Refreshments and Post-Donation Care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setting up an efficient blood donation registration desk is crucial to ensure a smooth and organized blood donation event. To this end, two registration desks were set up at both venues. Each registration desk was manned by four volunteers. To ensure efficient data collection and management, a computer software was deployed to collect donor information thus making it easier to manage records and generate reports. The database have been securedly encrypted to ensure that donor information is handled confidentially and complies with data protection regulations. | During our recent Firm Health event, participants underwent comprehensive Health Screenings before blood donation. Our team conducted vital checks, including blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, BMI, vision, and hearing assessments. Disease-specific Screenings targeted cancers, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and tuberculosis. These screenings empowered donors with health insights, enabling early detection and proactive management. Donors prioritized their well-being, contributing to the success of this impactful initiative. Thank you to all who participated in this noteworthy event. | After passing the health screening, donors were moved to the donation area. Each venue had eight bleeding beds to ensure that more people were able to donate. At each bleeding bed, sterile needles were inserted into the veins of donors, usually in the arm. This process was relatively painless and took about 10 minutes to donate. During the donation, donors were comfortably seated, and the blood is collected into a sterile bag. | After donation, donors moved to the refreshment area where each donor received a T. Shirt, milo, bottled malt drink, biscuit, exercise books and pens. Donors were also given tasty milo drinks. Donors were also made to relax to observe for any adverse reactions before leaving. Donors were counseled to avoid any strenuous activities for at least 24 hours but preferably 48hrs and also encouraged to stay hydrated. Donors were encouraged to contact the blood donation organising team should they experience any unusual symptoms after donation. |
Challenges and Lessons Learnt
Donor Recruitment
Encouraging first-time donors remains a challenge. To address this, future events will focus on targeted awareness campaigns in schools, youth groups, churches, mosques and workplaces to educate potential donors about the ease and significance of blood donation.
Donor Education
One of the key lessons learned was the importance of continuous donor education. Despite efforts, there are still misconceptions among some potential donors. Future events will focus on more extensive awareness campaigns to address these misconceptions.
Acknowledgements
Firm Health Ghana Foundation expresses heartfelt gratitude to our committed supporters and volunteers. Your unwavering dedication forms the bedrock of our impactful initiatives, propelling us forward in our mission to enhance healthcare and well-being in communities. Your invaluable contributions enable us to make significant strides, fostering positive change and a healthier future. With profound thanks, we acknowledge the pivotal role each supporter plays in shaping the success of Firm Health Ghana Foundation. Together, we stand united in our commitment to promoting accessible and sustainable healthcare solutions. Your generosity fuels our passion, and we are deeply appreciative of your continued support.
Conclusion
The blood donation drive was an immense triumph, not only in terms of the substantial number of donors and blood units collected but also in cultivating a heightened awareness regarding the critical need for voluntary blood donations. The event’s impact on the community’s health and well-being underscores the profound importance of such initiatives. We express our sincere gratitude to all donors, volunteers, sponsors, and partners whose contributions played a pivotal role in the success of this event. Your support has significantly impacted the lives of patients in our community, reaffirming the potent influence of collective action in championing the noble cause of blood donation. Looking ahead, Firm Health Ghana Foundation maintains its unwavering commitment to organizing more events, fostering a culture of voluntary blood donation, and ultimately making a positive difference in the lives of those in need.