This Friday, June 14, marks World Blood Donor Day. Like every year, the French blood establishment organizes four days of collection in Bastia, an event which makes it possible, in particular, to find new donors.
It is an appointment that many Bastiais are waiting for. For four days, the French Blood Establishment (EFS) is organizing a major blood drive on Place Saint-Nicolas.
“This is an opportunity to remind people of the importance of donating regularly, even during the holidays, because we have permanent needs and it is absolutely necessary to maintain a significant level of blood reserves to meet all the needs of patients.”, explains Alexandre Talamoni, communications and development manager at EFS.
Organized for more than 10 years, these days attract around 400 people. “These are very good results. We have a lot of new donors, people who come to find out, find out and come and give”, continues Alexandre Talamoni.
And to show the impact of these collections, donors and recipients can leave little messages. On a small blue card, Mireille writes: “10 years ago, thanks to your donations I had five transfusions. Without your donations, I would no longer be in this world. You saved my life. I have given and received in return so thank you very much for your generosity.“
A message left by a former patient.
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© François-Albert Bernardi / FTV
However, these days do not reflect the reality on the ground during the year. Because when it comes to blood donation, “Corsica has always been in deficit”.
“There is rather a downward trend in the spontaneity of giving. That is to say, to be able to have stocks that correspond to the needs of our patients, we must develop a lot of energy. Corsica is a region where the generosity index is low. This results in collections where attendance is not necessarily high”, supports Brigitte Peres, EFS referring doctor for the Paca-Corsica region.
Thus, each year, between 8,000 and 9,000 blood bags are collected in Corsica while between 13,000 and 14,000 are allocated each year. On Place Saint-Nicolas, the EFS blood drive continues until Sunday June 16.
