In an afternoon marked by solidarity and social responsibility, Vitória Adventist Academy promoted an action of blood donation at the Hematology and Hemotherapy Center of the State of Espírito Santo (HEMOES). The action, which took place on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, is part of the month of awareness about the importance of blood donation. The event mobilized the active participation of about 30 students as well as employees of the institution.
In the donation chairs at HEMOES in Vitória, students experienced a mix of nervousness and expectation. Among them was 16-year-old Maria Eduarda, whose gaze conveyed the magnitude of the act she was about to perform. With the courage that youth provides, she was donating blood for the first time.
When asked about her experience, the young woman expressed with conviction, "At first, I felt a chill in my stomach, but soon, I realized how important this act is. Knowing that I can make a difference, that I can help save lives, brought me a wave of pride that I could never have imagined.” Eduarda's speech captures the essence of the transformation experienced by the students, who saw their anxiety give way to a deep, memorable sense of accomplishment, making the blood donation campaign a unique experience in their lives.
"We are extremely proud of our students for joining this very important cause. Today's action goes beyond blood donation; it is a lesson in citizenship and empathy. They are learning that their actions can have a significant impact on other people's lives," said Joalbert Andrade, academy vice principal.
Donating blood is a safe, simple act, but there are some requirements that must be met by donors. It is necessary to be between 16–69 years old, weigh more than 50 kilograms, and be in good health. In addition, the donor must be rested, have not consumed alcohol in the 12 hours prior to the donation, and not be fasting. Donation is a simple procedure that takes about 10–15 minutes, but its impact can last a lifetime for those who depend on it.
“There is a unique feeling in knowing that we are helping strangers, that our actions can actually save lives. Donating blood for the first time made me realize the real power of this gesture. It is more than an act of generosity; it is a commitment to the lives of other people," said Guilherme Caiado, a 17-year-old student at Vitória Adventist Academy.
Awareness Campaign
Recognizing the age limitations for donation, the students who were unable to donate blood engaged in an equally crucial role. They participated in an educational traffic action, raising awareness among drivers about the importance of blood donation and the vital life-saving impact it can have on the community.
"Our goal is to instill a deep and abiding understanding of the importance of blood donation. It is vital to demonstrate to our community that through actions like this, we are able to contribute to saving lives," stated Ivan Bueno, academy principal.
The original version of this story was posted on the South America Division Portuguese-language news site.