Carlene wants action on blood crisis

Dancehall Queen Carlene Smith has called for a drastic improvement in Jamaica's healthcare system following a recent health scare involving Moses Davis Jr., the son of her ex-partner, dancehall artiste Beenie Man.

Moses Jr., who had been battling complications from sickle cell disease, was admitted to the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) for nearly a week, but for two days, he was left without the necessary blood transfusion, sending his family members into near panic.

Carlene, who has a daughter, Crystal, with Beenie Man, shared the tense moment with THE STAR, recalling that when they learned of Moses Jr.' situation, his sister immediately sprang into action.

"She [Crystal] got up and she was like 'Mommy, let's go, let's go,' and she put on her clothes, and we headed straight down to Slipe Road [the Blood Bank]," Carlene said. However, Carlene was unable to donate blood due to low haemoglobin, but her daughter was able to contribute.

"If she had to do this again, she would, because they are very close," Carlene added.

Carlene said the family was informed that the hospital did not have adequate blood supply to provide Moses Jr. with the critical care he needed.

"What yuh mean, they ran out of blood? I didn't know these things still happen, especially at UHWI. I know we're a third-world country, but we can do a little better," she said.

While the family relives the terrifying ordeal, including Moses Jr.' long wait for treatment, they are thankful for the support that poured in after Carlene's plea for blood donors went viral on social media. She posted a heartfelt appeal to her followers on Instagram, which led to a flood of friends, family, and supporters offering to donate. However, Carlene did not hold back in expressing her disappointment with the country's healthcare system.

"I know my healthcare system here in my country sucks, and it pains my heart," she confessed. "Yuh affi always have blood! This is a violent country - car accidents, gunshot wounds, stabbings, and other serious injuries happen daily. We also have people with cancer, sickle cell, and haemorrhages who have bleeding problems. We cannot afford to run out of blood. It makes no sense."

Carlene emphasised the dire need for proactive measures, such as year-round blood drives, rather than responding only when there's an immediate need.

"We only do blood drives when someone's in need, but that is not how it should work. You can't have people sitting in the hospital waiting for blood when it's a daily necessity," she argued.

Moses Jr, 26, has struggled with sickle cell disease since infancy. When he went to the hospital for bleeding complications, doctors discovered that his condition required an urgent blood transfusion. After receiving the blood on Saturday, Moses Jr. was finally released on Monday.

The ordeal has left Carlene calling for systemic change. She suggested that the Government consider offering incentives for people to donate blood regularly, such as monetary rewards.

"Could we have a way where the Government says, 'If yuh give blood, we'll give you $5,000?' Yuh know how much people would come forward! Not everybody has a voice like Moses Jr. did, and some people don't have any family support. What do they do, just sit there until they die?" she questioned.

Carlene also urged for more public education on where people can donate blood and how they can contribute to saving lives. Despite the personal nature of the situation, Carlene remains steadfast in her mission to advocate for improved healthcare, especially for those who lack the resources or support.

"I'm happy that my supporters and his family came through for him," Carlene said. "But I had to ask myself, what would have happened if he hadn't received the blood? We'd have bigger issues on our hands, and this shouldn't be one of them."

Last year, the National Blood Transfusion Service reported that, despite improvements in donations compared to previous years, it is currently only able to meet about 50 per cent of the annual demand for blood and its by-products.