thebahamasweekly.com - (VIDEO) Ross University assists with Grand Bahama's blood supply

Last Updated: Dec 29, 2011 - 2:18:31 AM

(VIDEO) Ross University assists with Grand Bahama's blood supply
By The Bahamas Weekly News Team
Feb 28, 2010 - 11:35:07 AM

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Freeport, Grand Bahama Island - On February 16th the students, faculty and staff of Ross University Bahamas gathered to register as potential blood donors for the community of Grand Bahama.

The initiative began through the coordination of two Ross medical students, Stacey O'Brien and Christopher Hancock who are co-directors of the SMP Health Initiative at Ross, which sponsored the database registration and health fair.

The Bahamas Weekly was on hand to get an Video overview of the new initiative. In this video you will hear from both Stacey O'Brien and Chris Hancock, as well as from Dr. Josephine Bartlett of Grand Bahama Health Services. We also provide a demonstration of how the Ross students learn how to draw blood in their simulation centre....

Chris Hancock, and Stacey O'Brien, Ross University students who coordinated the blood registration and health fair. Photo: The Bahamas Weekly

Christopher Hancock provided more information on the initiative, "Throughout the semester we worked with Dixie Jones, Director of Health Education and Promotions Department, and nurse Yvonne Clark on setting up different programs between Ross and the Grand Bahama Health Services. On this particular project we are also working with Dr. Josephine Bartlett and the Deputy Lab Manager Meritta Strachan."

Students, faculty and staff of Ross University participated in their first blood donation registration and health fair to assist the Grand Bahama community. Photo: The Bahamas Weekly

Stacey O'Brien added, "The SMP Health Initiative wanted to aid in improving the blood supply here in Grand Bahama after we toured the Rand Hospital and saw the limited blood supply first hand. We contacted the Lab at the Rand and we learned that a small, but steady blood supply is what was needed to meet the needs of Grand Bahama. Our desire to help was very well received by the Health Services and it was decided that along with immediate donations, creating a database of potential donors from the Ross Community was the best way to give back to the Grand Bahama Community that graciously host us during our medical education."

The health fair portion of the event was geared toward the students learning more about their current state of health. Blood pressure, glucose and height and weight measurements were provided and details filled in to a 'Healthy Living Passport' provided by Public Hospitals Authority which allows an individual to document their personal details as well as keep track of their progress (or lack thereof) from one assessment time to another.

Ross student and co-director of the Ross SMP Health Initiative, Chris Hancock (right) takes the blood pressure of a fellow Ross student. Photo: The Bahamas Weekly

Each individual also filled out a Blood Donation questionnaire. It is important to note that no Ross student performed blood withdrawal, and Rand staff was on hand to do so. The Ross medical students did however perform all the other testing under the supervision of the Rand personnel.

The event was a great success and Ross University plans to continue this initiative in each semester which is three times per calendar year.

A blood registration and health fair took place at Ross University on February 16th. The initiative will be continued each semester three times per year. Photo: The Bahamas Weekly

Ross University was founded in 1978 and is a provider of medical and veterinary education offering doctor of medicine and doctor of veterinary medicine degree programs. The School of Medicine is located in Dominica, West Indies, and the Freeport, Grand Bahama campus recently opened in January 2009. The School of Veterinary Medicine is located in St. Kitts. Ross University's administrative offices are located in North Brunswick, NJ. Ross University has more than 9,000 alumni with M.D. and D.V.M. degrees. http://www.rossu.edu/

A nurse from the Rand hospital draws blood from a Ross University student. Photo: The Bahamas Weekly

Ross University students learn how to draw blood through the simulation models seen here. Only Rand nurses drew blood during the health fair and registration. Photo: The Bahamas Weekly