Belgrade has hosted nine voluntary blood donation drives in recent weeks, but is this really something to celebrate? A total of only 262 units of blood were collected, averaging just over 29 units per drive. Is that enough for a city of nearly two million people?
The drives were organized in the municipalities of Stari Grad, Zvezdara, Palilula, Novi Beograd, Barajevo, Zemun, and Obrenovac, with the Red Cross of Belgrade’s special bus serving as the central collection point. The Secretariat of Health highlights that such public and partner support shows growing awareness for citizens’ health, but is that really the case?
In a world where blood is often a life-saving necessity, 262 units over nine drives sounds like a drop in the ocean. Are Belgrade’s citizens truly ready to answer the call for help? Or is this just another formality with little real impact in society?
This number casts a shadow on the humanity of our society, as blood is essential for emergencies, surgeries, and chronic disease treatments. Each unit of blood can save three lives, meaning these 262 units potentially saved over 700 lives. But is that enough?
If this pace continues, how will the healthcare system maintain sufficient blood supplies? Isn’t it time to seriously consider raising awareness and motivating citizens to become regular donors?
If you have something to say about this topic, whether you’ve donated blood or not, or have a hilarious reason why you haven’t, feel free to drop a comment. Maybe your story will spark a wave!
Don’t just sit there — blood is life, and life is in your hands!
