Freemasons Achieve Most Successful Blood Drive in Three Years

On Saturday, the Freemasons of Jamaica held their third annual National Blood Drive at the National Chest Hospital in St Andrew, marking the organization's best effort in the past three years. Over 65 pints of blood were collected from just over 90 donors who responded to the group's appeal. In addition, the Freemasons made a donation of $140,000 to the National Blood Transfusion Service (Blood Bank) to support the purchase of an air conditioning unit and standing fans for the facility.

Krystal Lee, minister of state in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, represented the donation, alongside Dr Courtney Palmer, district grand master of the District Grand Lodge of Jamaica; Igol Allen, national director of blood collection at the Blood Bank; Phillip Clarke, secretary of Masonic Homes; and Thomas C Smith, district grand master of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands.

Due to a staff shortage and high turnout, more than 15 people who arrived after 2:00 pm could not be accommodated, as processing would have extended operations past the scheduled 3:00 pm closing. Organizers explained that blood bank workers were occupied continuously from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm without a break, and those unable to donate on the day can return on Monday, November 17, 2025, to contribute.