The initiative, organized in collaboration with the Alicante Transfusion Center and the Health and Festivals departments, aims to help maintain hospital reserves and attract new donors before the upcoming Jubilee and Holy Christ of Good Fortune Festivals, scheduled from November 7th to 10th.
This solidarity event, a traditional fixture in the weeks leading up to the main festivals, seeks to boost the participation of local clubs ('peñas festeras'), encouraging them to incorporate blood donation into their activities to foster more socially committed festivals. All donors will receive a small gift, and a prize will be awarded to the most solidarity-driven 'peña'.
The Councilor for Health, Marisa Cortés, emphasized the importance of donation: "Sometimes we think that helping others requires grand gestures, but donating blood is a simple and direct way to save lives. Behind every donation are people who need a transfusion to overcome surgery, undergo treatment, or recover from an illness. Therefore, we encourage residents to come to the House of Culture tomorrow and dedicate a few minutes to a cause that can make a big difference".
Cortés highlighted the need for both regular donors and first-time donors, as the demand for blood and plasma is constant. The campaign will allow for both types of donations, which are essential components for numerous medical treatments.
For her part, the Councilor for Festivals and Traditions, Sandra Gómez, specifically invited the 'peñas' to join the call: "We would like our 'peñas' to also get involved in this initiative and demonstrate that the festive spirit goes far beyond celebration. Donating blood is a way to care for others and to start our festivals with a gesture of immense value".
To donate blood, individuals must be at least 18 years old, weigh over 50 kilograms, and be in good health. Donors should bring an official identification document and should not donate on an empty stomach. Healthcare staff will conduct a prior interview and assessment.
The L'Alfàs del Pi City Council and the Alicante Transfusion Center remind the public that blood cannot be manufactured and that donations are essential for treating patients who require transfusions due to accidents, surgical procedures, illnesses, or oncological treatments.
