Don’t Just Talk the Talk – Walk the Walk to the Blood Donation Marathon!
Ah, the joys of October! The leaves are falling, the nights are drawing in, and what better way to celebrate the onset of the spooky season than by donating blood? Yes, that’s right! This Wednesday, October 30, the Eduardo Guitián Integrated Municipal Center in Guadalajara will be turning into an absolute bloodbath of goodwill! And no, I don’t mean that in a horror movie way – it’s about creating new life, not ending it!
What You Need to Know
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and then again from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., you’ll have the chance to donate at an event that aims to collect a whopping 200 bags of blood! That’s a lot of red stuff! I mean, if blood were chocolate, you’d be looking at a chocolate fountain, folks!
A Call for Generosity
In this glorious display of altruism, the president of the Guadalajara Blood Donors Association, Ignacio Redondo, has put out the call for all you generous souls to roll up your sleeves – literally. Because nothing says “I care” quite like having a needle stuck in your arm, right? But seriously, it’s an essential gesture; blood is needed every day, and without it… well, let’s just say the hospitals would be in a sticky situation!
Making a Difference!
The Regional Transfusion Center head honcho, María del Carmen Muñoz, is also in on the action! She’s there to cheer on the troops and push for that ambitious goal of 200 units harvested. Show a little enthusiasm, people! Don’t make her bark orders.
Who Can Join the Party?
Now, you might be wondering if you’re eligible to donate. Here are the basic requirements for this altruistic frenzy:
- You need to be of legal age and under 65 years old. If you’re over those pesky threshold years but have donated before, you’re still in!
- Weight requirement: Must be over 50 kg. Is it just me, or does that sound like a line from a matchmaking app?
- Be in good health! No blood-borne diseases, please. This isn’t a themed party; save that for Halloween!
Men can donate every three months; women, slightly more frequently, every four. But that’s not just an excuse to say you’re more generous; it’s medical fact!
Extras and Surprises!
What’s even better? There’s a little extra motivation! Members of the hospital’s transplant coordination team will have an information table to inspire the younger crowd (18 to 40 years) to also consider becoming bone marrow donors. Because if you’re already at the donation center, why not up your game, right? Talk about multitasking!
And just when you thought it couldn’t get better, the Department of Culture is throwing in some entertainment with a raffle for free tickets to various shows among donors. So, not only do you get to be a hero, but you might also get a free night out! Now that’s what I call blood, sweat, and cheers!
Final Thoughts
Remember, blood is an essential element that can’t be manufactured like your favorite chef’s secret sauce. This Wednesday, step away from your screens (unless you’re reading this article), put on your superhero cape, and head to the Eduardo Guitián Integrated Municipal Center. Who knew saving lives could be this engaging?
Let’s raise that first pint together – and no, I don’t mean at the pub! Let’s support our local health services and donate some blood. At the end of the day, if you can help someone live a little longer, isn’t that a gift worth giving?
So mark your calendars, gather your courage, and let’s make October 30 a day to remember – for all the right reasons!
This Wednesday, October 30, the Eduardo Guitián Integrated Municipal Center (CMI) will host an important solidarity event known as the Guadalajara Blood Donation Marathon.
The event is poised to draw the community together as residents are encouraged to participate in this altruistic initiative, which will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and return for an evening session from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Those who wish to contribute to this noble cause are invited to come and donate blood.
Ignacio Redondo, the president of the Guadalajara Blood Donors Association, has made a heartfelt appeal to citizens to join in showing their generosity through this “essential” act of kindness. The goal for this marathon is to collect an impressive total of 200 bags of blood, which will be crucial for supporting local health initiatives. Alongside this, the association aims to inspire new blood donors, ensuring a steady supply throughout the year to meet community health needs.
Together with María del Carmen Muñoz, the director of the Regional Transfusion Center, and other key health officials, Redondo emphasized the importance of participation. The presence of the provincial delegate of Health, Pilar Cuevas, and the councilor for the Health area, Roberto Narro, underscores the collaborative efforts behind this humanitarian endeavor. They collectively express their gratitude towards the media, the City Council, and the College of Nursing for their unwavering support in promoting this life-saving event.
In her remarks, Carmen Muñoz highlighted the sustained dedication of the Donor Association, which has significantly contributed to the rising number of blood donations. She passionately urged participants to surpass the ambitious goal of 200 units during this marathon while also acknowledging the essential role played by the Hemodonation, Hemotherapy, and Hemovigilance Network of Castilla-La Mancha. Their efforts are instrumental in processing and distributing blood efficiently to those in need.
Pilar Cuevas, the Health delegate, reinforced the commitment of the Guadalajara City Council to support the Blood Donor Association’s initiatives as a vital “altruistic gesture that saves lives.” She recognized the extraordinary generosity demonstrated by donors, which has become more pronounced each year and is vital in ensuring blood is available for emergencies as well as ongoing healthcare needs.
Pilar Cuevas recalled that blood is “an essential element that cannot be manufactured” and emphasized that it relies entirely on the goodwill of donors. The increasing community involvement in this “network of life” has led to a remarkable surge in blood donations, with a record-breaking 3,906 units collected in the first nine months of this year—up 12 percent from the previous year’s total of 3,368 units during the same timeframe.
Finally, she expressed her gratitude to the more than 200 dedicated professionals who are part of the Hemodonation, Hemotherapy, and Hemovigilance Network. Their tireless work is critical in ensuring blood is delivered to patients in a timely manner, alongside the collaboration of other health professionals within this extensive process.
On the day of the event, the Hospital’s transplant coordination team will also be present with an information booth at the CMI. Their mission will be to encourage blood donors, particularly those aged between 18 and 40, to take an additional step and become bone marrow donors by enrolling in the Spanish Registry of Bone Marrow Donors (REDMO).
In a bid to make the event even more engaging, the Department of Culture is organizing a raffle offering attendees who come to donate tickets to various local shows, enhancing the community spirit of the marathon.
Who can donate blood
It is important to note that individuals wishing to donate blood must be over the age of 18 and under 65, although previous donors beyond that age limit may still be eligible. A minimum weight of 50 kilograms is required, and the individual must not have any blood-borne diseases that may pose risks.
Men can donate blood every three months, while women are permitted to donate every four months. Prior to the donation process, a questionnaire will be completed, and health checks—including blood pressure, pulse, and hemoglobin level—will be conducted to confirm that the donor is in good health.
Donors must consult regarding their eligibility under specific conditions, such as those taking certain medications, recent surgeries, diagnostic tests, infections, or following tattoos and piercings, among other circumstances. This careful assessment ensures the safety and health of both donors and recipients alike.