Today we celebrate World Blood Donor Day. This year's motto is “Donate blood, donate hope, together we save lives“.
Between 120 and 180 people donate blood daily at the National Center for Transfusion Hematology. The center conducts campaigns in schools, universities, companies and organizations, but since the end of 2023 the work of the mobile teams has been limited due to a shortage of personnel, explained Evelina Dinkova, quoted by the Bulgarian National Radio.
"And this has presented us with a new challenge, because we have been working with our partners for decades. They expect our team to come to them at a certain time to donate again. Now we ask them to come to us," Damyanova added.
Up to six months after donating blood, a person can use this donation for a loved one, if necessary, explained Ivo Umlenski, who has donated blood 47 times.
"And as a regular donor, I usually have two spare donations that I can give. It has happened for my relatives and at the request of my acquaintances," said Umlenski.
Anyone between the ages of 18 and 60 who is not taking medication can become a blood donor. They undergo a medical examination, and working people are entitled to two days of leave when donating blood.