The public is being urged to take part in a scheduled blood drive for the Ministry of Health in meeting the ongoing demand for safe blood for patients in need of transfusions.

The MOH has indicated a shortage of blood, especially O positive.

“We warmly encourage anyone able and willing to donate to please come forward,” said Namaulauulu Tautala Mauala, Secretary General of the Red Cross.

Officials say the Red Cross plays a crucial role in ensuring that safe blood is available for hospitals and patients requiring urgent medical care, especially in emergency and life-saving situations.

“The Red Cross plays a vital role in supporting the Ministry of Health by ensuring that safe blood is available for patients in urgent need of transfusions,” Mauala said.

Every donation is treated with strict safety procedures, including detailed screening and testing before it can be used for patients.

“It is important to understand that every donation has the potential to save lives. All donated blood is carefully screened and tested before being released for medical use; however, some units are found to be infected and therefore cannot be used,” she added.

Health authorities continue to stress that the demand for blood remains constant and high, making regular voluntary donations essential to maintaining an adequate supply.

“There remains an ongoing and critical demand for safe blood, as required by the Ministry of Health, and regular voluntary donations are essential to meet this continuous need,” Mauala said.

In a separate public appeal posted on its official Facebook page, the Samoa Red Cross Society highlighted the life-saving impact of each donation.

“The Samoa Red Cross Society invites you to our blood donation drive, where every single drop counts. Your donation becomes a lifeline for accident victims, expectant mothers, critically ill children, and so many others in desperate need. Give blood. Give hope. Give life.”

The blood drive takes places at the Samoa Red Cross Office