The drive to help save lives through donating blood was evident around the offices of the Malta Environment & Planning Authority, as employees responded positively and generously to this blood drive initiative.

With the mobile blood unit currently being refurbished, a meeting room within the Environment Protection Directorate was transformed into a blood donation unit to cater for this initiative.

MEPA Chairman Mr Andrew Calleja said, "We are pleased to note that from the positive response we received from our people, a good number were first-time donors. This in itself is very encouraging as it helps contribute to achieving a more sustainable national blood bank."

"We are proud that our employees recognise the need and responsibility that a large number of people depend on the continued generosity of others who are healthy. For the sick person who needs transfusion, blood may be the difference between life and death." concluded Mr Calleja.

The National Blood Transfusion Centre and the Blood Donation Association thanked the Authority's staff for giving a much needed boast to the blood reserves, which normally need approximately 40 to 50 units of blood to daily meet the demands from hospitals.

The National Blood Transfusion Centre, which is situated in St. Luke's Square Guardamangia. is open daily from 8.00a.m. until 6.00p.m., including Sundays and Public Holidays.

Here in Gozo, the Gozo General Hospital is open for donations from Monday to Saturday between 8.00am and 11.30am.