Haiti police union launches blood drive

PORT-AU-PRINCE — As gang violence escalates in Haiti, putting more police officers in harm’s way, Haiti’s National Police Union has launched a blood donation drive to ensure that blood is available to injured officers.

“Police officers are increasingly exposed to the violence escalating every day in the country,” said Francisco Occil, a spokesperson for the police union, known as Synapoha. “They participate in operations, accidents happen. Police officers therefore are using a lot of blood, yet not many police officers are donating blood.” 

The blood drive aims to encourage both police officers and civilians to donate blood, so there is enough to help officers, who are often victims while on duty. Occil said the Red Cross, which manages the blood supply, barely has half the 60,000 blood bags required each year. The Synapoha collection will support the Red Cross’ efforts to supply everyone in need, not only the police. 

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