The French Blood Establishment, in partnership with the Interclub Rotary du Grand Montpellier, is organizing a large “My Blood for Others” fundraiser at the Corum, until Saturday 11 December inclusive.
“It doesn’t cost a thing to do it, and if it can save lives…”, shares Lyson, 22, who came to donate blood with his sister Jade, 18. Donors like them, the French blood establishment (EFS) hopes to welcome between 250 and 300 per day.
The dates, from December 9 to 11, were chosen strategically, knowing that during the holidays, people give less. “We can not afford to enter this period with a low stock because we will not catch up and it will be difficult, explains Alexandre Fakhreddine, head of mobile collections in Languedoc for the EFS. Christmas or not, there are always sick people in hospitals. “
Fragility of reserves
The Covid has also changed the habits of blood donors: “We are witnessing ups and downs, which make it difficult for us to keep a stock. The pandemic has generated an almost permanent fragility of our reserves.”
In recent months, around 15% of appointments have remained vacant. Collections in businesses, high schools, campuses, which represent 20 to 30% of donations, have been largely suspended.
To collect blood, you need donors but also health personnel. The EFS is also facing strong tensions in the nursing and medical professions, with more than 200 vacant positions in the region.
“You must not exclude yourself from the donation”
A man can donate 6 times a year, a woman 4 times a year. We can give from 18 to 70 years old. You must weigh more than 50 kg. You have to wait 2 months between 2 donations. Pregnant women cannot donate until 6 months after childbirth. “A lot of people often say ‘I have this or that, I cannot give’ and are wrong. You should not exclude yourself”, notes Alexandre Fakhreddine. To do this, do not hesitate to check your eligibility on dondesang.efs.sante.fr or call 0 800 972 100 (free call). On site, for the donation and the snack, allow 30 minutes.
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The Greater Montpellier Rotary Interclub is a partner of this major fundraising campaign. Volunteers are mobilized to ensure the catering and talk about the collection to people in the street.
“Don’t forget us. We’re here and so are the sick, recalls the manager of mobile collections. Blood donation concerns everyone. No one is safe from receiving a transfusion one day. “
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