I refer to John A. Maxwell's letter in The Gleaner of March 9, regarding the announcement of the launch of "the first Sir Frank Worrell Memorial Blood Drive in the West Indies" in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, on March 13.

I wish to correct the information contained in the letter, as the Port-of-Spain blood drive is not the first to be named in honour of Sir Frank Worrell.

The University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona Biannual Blood Donation Drive, which began in March 2004, was renamed the Frank Worrell Commemorative Blood Drive in honour of Sir Frank in March 2007.

First donor

Sir Frank was the first donor of blood to Nari Contractor, former captain of the Indian Cricket Team, who was injured during the 1962 Indian tour of the West Indies, resulting in him needing several blood transfusions and emergency surgeries to save his life.

I also wish to bring to your attention the fact that the UWI, Mona, is making a significant impact on the supply of blood to the National Blood Transfusion Services, and that the UWI, Mona community, is the largest single donor of blood at this time in Jamaica.

Please note that this year the Sir Frank Worrell Commemorative Blood Drive, organised by the University Health Services and the National Blood Transfusion Services, will take place from March 17-18 at the Assembly Hall, Mona, and that Mr Contractor will be our special guest at the opening ceremony.

Voluntary donations

It may be of interest to your readers to note that this blood drive is aimed not only at promoting voluntary blood donation among the UWI community, but also recruiting people who live and work in the vicinity of the Mona campus. They are being encouraged to make a special effort to visit the campus and donate blood during the drive.

I am, etc,

DR BLOSSOM

ANGLIN-BROWN

Director, clinical services

University Health Services

UWI, Mona campus