The government of Valle del Cauca has launched a campaign to promote blood donation amid rising demand in December. Authorities note that the season brings more accidents and medical emergencies, straining blood banks. A single donation can save up to three lives.
As December begins, the government of Valle del Cauca activated an initiative to encourage blood donation, addressing the rise in road accidents and hospital demand. The departmental Health Secretary, María Cristina Lesmes, stressed that 'December is one of the most critical months in terms of blood needs', owing to emergencies, surgeries, and treatments for chronic illnesses that demand a steady supply of this vital resource.
To improve access, a decentralization strategy includes mobile sessions in towns like Palmira, Tuluá, Buga, and Florida, with plans to extend to Cartago. Furthermore, Cali's five blood banks remain open throughout the month to accept donors. Lesmes urged the community to join at these sites, highlighting the need to build a culture of voluntary and regular donation.
Basic requirements include weighing at least 50 kilograms, being in good health, and not having visited malaria-risk areas in the past month, such as Buenaventura. Men can donate up to four times a year, women three. The procedure is safe, with rigorous checks on collected blood. While December conjures celebrations, it also increases transfusion needs from accidents and emergencies, making donation essential for saving lives.