The Regional Hemotherapy Center operates in Monte Caseros on the corner of Garibaldi in the capital of Mendoza. Today was a day of dissemination, but also of gratitude to those who decide donate blood voluntarily. Pedro Ruizdirector of the center, commented on MDZ Radio 105.5 FM what this date is about, where awareness is key, but also about the daily importance of donating blood.
“The importance of this is that we cannot manufacture blood,” he said. Ruiz and added that “it depends on this solidarity and altruistic act of a person who decides to donate an hour of their time and good blood. From Monday to Monday there are patients in hospitals who require some blood component to continue living. Days like today are important for raise awareness, entertain and recognize the generosity of voluntary donors.
Furthermore, he commented that “we started in 2016 with 12% voluntary donorswe rose and ended last year with 62% volunteer donor. But during the pandemic, although the requirements decreased and we could not go out, during those two years we had around 90% of voluntary donors“. Ruíz stated that, however, “this year has started a little more complex. In the first quarter we were not oblivious to the country’s situation, in terms of supplies and other situations.” In that regard, he assured that during the first quarter “it dropped 40% with around 1,100 donors per month, when we need around 1,500 “In the last month we have carried out campaigns and we have reached 1,350 donors in May and we hope to continue increasing and reach these 1,500 donors that we need per month.”
Pedro Ruíz highlighted that “these days are important for a paradigm shift. We have 62% of voluntary donors, which means that we have 40% of those donors replacement. These relatives who, apart from carrying the backpack of having a sick relative, have to go looking for donors or come they to donate blood. What we work for is to have that 100% donors in a cultural and paradigm change where 1,500 people per month say ‘I’m going to go and donate blood and the next time, in six or seven months I’m going to donate again.'”
“In Mendoza, regarding the level of donors We are a little above average. There are some provinces like Jujuy or Salta that have an average of 90% of donors or the Garrahan Center that works 100% of voluntary donors. We are above average, but we still have a way to go,” said the director of the Regional Hemotherapy Center and added: “In terms of processing, we are like in the first step in terms of production. Mendoza has nothing to envy of any other place in the world in terms of processing these blood units. We have automated systems, we have molecular biology. When it comes to blood safety, we are very well provided for.”
Finally, Ruíz recalled what the requirements are to be voluntary donor: “Mainly those between 16 and 65 years old, who weigh more than 50 kilos, who are in good health can donate. Have breakfast, come with your ID and everyone can donate. Those who have had tattoos, piercings, have received a transfusion, or major surgery, once a year passes they can return donate blood No problem”.
