While not strictly a social event, blood donation has become a crucial act of solidarity, increasingly embraced by citizens, especially when the Gipuzkoa Blood Donors Association calls for help. Yesterday, approximately one hundred individuals responded to the call to donate blood at an extraction point set up in the Garbera shopping center.
Santi Blanco, the head of the entity in San Sebastián, led the team and organizes the donation schedule across Donostia's neighborhoods. Additionally, every morning, the team visits universities, vocational training centers, and companies, while in the afternoons, they travel to various towns.
The process is straightforward: one simply needs to be willing to help, be over 18 years old, weigh more than 50 kilograms, have eaten well, and present their ID. First, a doctor interviews the candidates, a nurse creates a record, and two other nurses perform the extractions. Dozens of people visited the designated area in the afternoon to donate blood; most were new donors, but others are regulars who have been donating for some time. All, without exception, were pleased to contribute to this act of solidarity.
“"My husband died of leukemia, and back then, many people donated blood for him. That's why I'm here."
Alongside the doctor, the team included nurses Oihana Arruabarrena from Errenteria, who has 25 years of experience with the organization, and Laiene Gil from Tolosa, with years of experience, who were responsible for setting up the IVs for donors. They were joined by nurse Andrea Fernández and technician Oskar Viejo. On the beds, either ready or awaiting their turn, were, for example, Katerine Palacios, 22, from Nicaragua, and her partner Jostyn Peralta, 26. Some individuals have personal stories that motivate them to become donors. This is the case for Rosa Torres, also Nicaraguan, who lost her husband to leukemia and remembers how many people donated for him. Also awaiting their turn were Lina Marcela Zuazua from Colombia, Javier Rol from Hernani, and Gonzalo Villagarcía from Donostia.
From Garbera, the general manager Nuria Vegas, technical director Harkaitz Ayarza, marketing director María Ayastuy, and social media manager Mikel Uranga also donated. Establishments such as Bar Baztan, El Korner, and Mundokona collaborated. More information can be found on the Gotatanta website and at the headquarters at Manuel Lekuona, 3. For appointments, please call 943 317091.
