The "Will You Be My Hero from the Vein?" campaign was launched in cooperation with the Association of Cancer Warriors and the Turkish Red Crescent to increase blood donation awareness in society.
Introduced at a press conference held at the Çapa Red Crescent Blood Center, the campaign aims to provide a steady supply of blood for cancer patients and those with chronic blood disorders.
Belma Kurdoğlu Akgün, President of the Association of Cancer Warriors, emphasized in her speech that the need for blood is a constant, not an urgent, need.
Akgün drew attention to the importance of blood donation, stating, "Today, we have gathered here with officials from the Turkish Red Crescent, our hematology and medical oncology specialists, our patients, and their relatives to draw attention to blood donation, which plays a vital role in the treatment of patients struggling with blood diseases, especially cancer. Approximately 25% of blood donations are used for the treatment of our cancer patients. With our 'Will You Be My Hero from the Vein?' campaign, we invite all of society to become regular blood donors to support cancer patients."
During the meeting, oncologists and hematologists also called on the community to donate blood.
Internal Medicine and Hematology Specialist Prof. Dr. Mustafa Çetiner stated that one out of every three blood products is used for cancer diseases, saying, "Access to blood and blood products became even more difficult, especially during the pandemic. While individuals were hesitant to donate blood, donor screenings naturally became stricter. Unfortunately, this negatively affected the treatment of our patients. We would like to reiterate that blood donation is the most vital, free, and heartfelt treatment."
"Approximately 500,000 people are fighting cancer across the country"
Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Specialist Prof. Dr. Barış Malbora also noted that blood donation is of vital importance in the treatment of other blood diseases besides cancer.
Malbora said, "Blood donations play a vital role in the treatment of thalassemia patients, whom we see commonly in Turkey, and patients with congenital or acquired bone marrow failure. We must remember that blood donation is a regular and constant need, not an urgent one."
Medical Oncology Specialist Prof. Dr. Mahmut Gümüş said, "When we include those who are still undergoing treatment from previous years, approximately 500,000 people are fighting cancer across the country. During treatment, our patients have a high need for blood donation. We invite our society to donate blood to improve the quality of life and contribute to the life expectancy of those living with cancer."
"Our blood donation efforts have also gained momentum as the pandemic conditions have eased"
Dr. Metin Kalender, Director of Blood Donor Management at the Turkish Red Crescent Blood Services, said that the Red Crescent, under the auspices of the Ministry of Health, meets 86% of the country's blood donation needs with 18 regional centers, 68 blood centers, and affiliated units.
Kalender stated that an average of 9,000 units of blood are collected per day and said:
"During the COVID pandemic, this amount dropped to as low as 2,000 units. We tried to meet the blood needs by keeping stock levels high and by the Ministry of Health acting more selectively in non-emergency operations. Our blood donation efforts have gained momentum as the pandemic conditions have eased. Although the target has not yet been 100% completed, the blood donation target of 86% has been reached. Of course, the need for blood always continues. Therefore, there is always a need for regular and constant blood donation."