Every June the World Blood Donor Day, a date to recognize those who donate voluntarily and to raise awareness about the need for this essential resource. In a world where blood cannot be artificially manufactured, the active participation of the community is key to guaranteeing the right to health.
In Argentina, according to the latest regional report of the Pan American Health Organization (published in 2024), more than 55% of donations in our country come from volunteers that occur in centers and hospitals from their generosity. Thanks to this, health professionals can carry out treatments, surgeries and procedures that save thousands of lives every year.
“Since blood is not something that can be manufactured or replaced, the solidarity arms of those who donate are today the only possible source to have this vital input,” he said Pablo Camino, Specialist in Hemotherapy and Immunhematology and Responsible of the Project “Blood ties”promoted by the Italian Hospital University.
In this sense, the specialist assured that society must cross a paradigm shift: “It is essential that blood donation ceases to be as a source to be reduced and consolidates as usual and cultural. This will guarantee the quality and availability of blood at times of need for patients, becoming a virtuous circle.”
A concrete example of this vision is the “Blood Ties” project, an initiative that for four years promotes education and awareness of voluntary donation, within the framework of PExtensionist students of the University Extension Department. The proposal seeks to articulate academic training with concrete actions in the community and invites you to know, reflect, participate and act in the face of this need.
Camino argues that teachers have the responsibility of training future professionals not only in technical, but also in their role as active health promoters in each environment where they are touched. Through talks, external collections and visits to the Blood Bank of the hospital, students not only incorporate technical knowledge: they also discover the human and social value that their profession implies.
Experts agree that donating blood is an act of collective commitment that saves lives. In a context where blood demand is constant and growing, promoting voluntary, common and altruistic donation is a shared responsibility. Initiatives such as these show that educating, raising awareness and acting from professional training is key to building a more supportive and prepared society.
By rn
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