The Union of May Borns (UMABO) on Saturday donated blood to the Upper East Regional Hospital in Bolgatanga to equip its blood bank for effective service delivery.

The Union, with about 150 members across the Region and beyond, has in the past undertaken such exercises including presentation of items to health facilities in the month of May, since its inception in 2011 as a non-profit making organization.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at the laboratory unit of the hospital where the exercise took place, Mr Vincent Asigri, the President of UMABO, said blood donation was one of their major exercises for this year.

He said the exercise was very important because the donated blood could be used to save the life of any member of the public, including members of UMABO in times of need. “Whether people thank us or not, we believe that we have received blessings.”

He disclosed that members of the Union would climax activities for this year on May 31 with a presentation of gifts to the Children’s Ward of the hospital. “This year, our target number is about 40 babies.”

Mr Asigri said May-Borns were unique people, because most important holidays in Ghana and beyond were observed in the month of May, adding that, UMABO, through its philanthropic activities had received commendations from management of both public and private facilities, and some members of the public.

“We are growing, because the number we registered as active members last year was quite overwhelming. This year, participation is growing every day. We want it to spread across other Regions and communities,” he said.

The UMABO President, who is a Tutor at the Saint John Bosco College of Education in Navrongo, urged other groups irrespective of their month of birth to unite, and give back to society. “Let’s see how we can support each other. It is very important.”

Mr Alfred Cudjoe, the Blood Bank Unit Supervisor at the Upper East Regional Hospital said the exercise was very important because blood was essential in health care delivery. “The voluntary donors are not forthcoming, and so if a group has organized such a programme it will help.”

He said the exercise entailed screening of donors to rule out low blood levels and other blood-related sicknesses, and dispelled the fears by some members of the public that when they undergo blood donation, they would run short of blood.

Mr Cudjoe said even though blood arrangement was very good in the hospital because of measures put in place to curtail shortage, specific blood groups such as “O-Negative” was sometimes difficult to get, and entreated organizations and members of the public to freely donate blood to save lives.