Jamaica’s 11th Blood Collection Centre was opened today (June 14) at the Spanish Town Hospital, in St. Catherine.

The centre was opened in commemoration with World Blood Donor Day, which is being observed today.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, State Minister in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Juliet Cuthbert-Flynn said the centre is essential, because blood donation is of extreme importance to the health sector.

She said there are also other conditions that require blood transfusions and the centre will provide residents of St. Catherine with better access to giving blood.

The new centre will open on Saturdays for donations starting this Saturday June 18.