ALOR STAR: The Kedah Justices of Peace Council has set a goal of collecting 3,000 bags of blood through its Blood Donation Programme to meet transfusion needs at Sultan Abdul Halim Hospital (HSAH) in Sungai Petani.
The programme is co-organised with the HSAH's Transfusion Medicine Department and will run throughout this month at multiple locations across Kuala Muda.
Council vice-president Datuk Tan Hong Eng said the campaign aims to boost public awareness of the importance of donating blood.
"The programme also encourages participation from various groups, including government agencies, the private sector, uniformed bodies, non-governmental organisations, educational institutions, and the community around Sungai Petani, Kuala Muda District, and neighbouring areas.
"Our target of 3,000 bags in one month marks the largest effort of its kind in Kedah," he said at a press conference at the Kedah Royal Golf Club yesterday.
Present were HSAH deputy director (Medical) Dr Mohamed Ali Mohamed Nadhar Khan and programme director Datuk Shahanim Mohamad Yusoff.
As of yesterday, the programme has collected 625 bags of blood following successful drives at Surau Al Ansar in Darulaman Perdana and Village Mall in Sungai Petani.
Tan added the programme is crucial to addressing a critical blood shortage, as the monthly requirement for Kedah and Perlis reaches 5,000 bags.
"We hope that with support and participation from various parties, we can foster a culture of regular blood donation, which will help save lives," he added.
Meanwhile, Shahanim highlighted the increased need for blood donations, particularly during the year-end period.
"This is because of the school holidays, when awareness about blood donation usually drops, as well as the increased frequency of natural disasters like floods, which heightens demand for blood at hospitals," she added.