George Town, Grand Cayman – June 20, 2025 — In a major step toward enhancing national blood security and access to lifesaving care, Rotary Central Cayman Islands today officially handed over a Mobile Blood Collection Unit to the Health Services Authority (HSA) Cayman Islands Blood Bank at a formal ceremony held at the Anthony S. Eden Hospital campus.

The landmark donation marks the culmination of Rotary Central’s 2024–2025 Project Focus, aimed at bolstering Cayman’s capacity to collect and manage blood donations across all districts and improve outreach to underserved communities.

Blood Bank Bus Hand Over June 11th 2025 Edited SML 7123

Present at the handover ceremony were:

  • The Honourable Katherine Ebanks-Wilks, Minister for Health, Environment & Sustainability
  • The Honourable Wayne Panton, Parliamentary Secretary
  • Ms. Tamara Ebanks, Chief Officer at the Ministry of Investment, Innovation and Social Development
  • Ms. Yvette Dilbert, Chairwoman of the HSA Board
  • Ms. Joy Vernon, Deputy Chairperson of the HSA Board
  • HSA CEO Ms. Lizzette Yearwood, along with other members of the HSA senior management and board

Representing Rotary Central Cayman Islands was President Dr. Brendan Lee, who emphasized the organization’s long-standing commitment to public health.

In his address, Dr. Lee described the occasion as “historic and heartwarming,” highlighting the club’s decades-long commitment to community service and public health.

This initiative has been years in the making—an idea born out of need, sustained by commitment, and brought to life through the remarkable generosity of our community. Today is not just about handing over a vehicle—it’s about handing over hope, increasing access, and saving lives
Dr. Brendan Lee, Rotary Central Cayman Islands President

This transformational project was made possible through the support of many corporate and individual donors. Special recognition was given to:

  • Gold Sponsors: Logic and Walkers, and Bronze Sponsors AL Thompson’s, MacAlpine, Cayman National, The Foster Group, Dart and private donors. And especially Deloitte, which raised a substantial sum from internal fundraising
  • Vampt Motors, along with Hitech and FastSigns, for their logistical and design support
  • Numerous private donors, volunteers, and community partners who made the unit a reality
Blood Bank Bus Hand Over June 11th 2025 Edited SML 7571

The modern Mobile Blood Collection Unit is designed to collect up to six units of blood per hour, equipped with donor chairs, refrigeration systems, and medical-grade storage and sanitation facilities. Its mobility allows the Cayman Islands Blood Bank to safely and conveniently conduct blood drives, reducing dependency on imported blood and expanding the national donor pool.

We are deeply thankful to Rotary Central for this donation and amazing support for public health in the Cayman Islands. Trauma care, maternity, oncology and surgery, all rely heavily on an adequate and timely blood supply. Even with our team's tireless dedication, only 3.2% of the eligible population donated blood in 2024. This reveals a sobering reality: while we have a strong core of committed donors, we must grow this base to meet future needs.
Ms. Lizzette Yearwood, HSA Chief Executive Officer

Rotary Central Cayman Islands has supported the Cayman Islands Blood Bank since the 1990s through advocacy, education, and donor mobilization campaigns.

The donation of this Mobile Blood Collection Unit represents Rotary Central’s largest single contribution to the Blood Bank to date.

For more information about scheduling a blood drive, visit www.bloodbank.ky or contact info@bloodbank.ky

For media inquiries, contact: Brendan Lee President, Rotary Central Cayman Islands www.rotarycentral.ky