The annual blood donation campaign in Paraguay, "Remangate por la vida (Roll Up Your Sleeves for Life)," is set to take place again this year. Jointly organized by the San José Alumni Association and the National Blood Program, under the Paraguayan Ministry of Public Health, this campaign aims to raise awareness about the importance of blood donation and contribute to saving countless lives through a stable blood supply.

Campaign Overview and Goals

The "Roll Up Your Sleeves for Life 2025" blood donation campaign is scheduled for two days, Saturday, July 5th, and Sunday, July 6th, from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The blood collected through this campaign will be supplied to public and private hospitals across Paraguay, reaching patients in need of transfusions. The organizers anticipate that this campaign will significantly contribute to alleviating Paraguay's annual blood shortage, which amounts to approximately 6,000 units. The National Blood Program emphasizes that a single donation can save 3 to 4 lives, encouraging active participation from citizens.

Donation Locations and Participating Institutions

Blood donations will be conducted at several key locations in Asunción, Paraguay. The San José Alumni Association headquarters (Marcelino Noutz casi Luis de Granada) is one of the main donation sites. To improve accessibility for citizens, blood donation booths will also be set up at high-traffic shopping malls and institutions, including Shopping Mariscal, Shopping del Sol, the Paraguayan Industrial Union (UIP), and Shopping Mariano.

The National Blood Program is responsible for the medical aspects of this campaign. Professional medical staff will be present to ensure safe donations and provide disposable medical supplies and other necessary consumables, ensuring a hygienic and safe donation environment.

Donor Eligibility and Precautions

Citizens wishing to participate in blood donation must meet several basic eligibility requirements:

Age: Healthy adults aged 18 to 65 years old are eligible to donate. In special cases, donations can be made every 8 weeks.
Donation Volume: Approximately 430cc of blood is collected per donation. The blood bags used for donation have a 500cc capacity and contain pre-added anticoagulant.
Health Status: Donors must not have any blood-transmissible diseases (such as HIV, syphilis, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Chagas disease, etc.). Additionally, individuals suffering from severe heart, lung, or kidney diseases are not eligible to donate.
Important Recommendations Before Donation: Donors should never donate on an empty stomach. It is crucial to consume at least 220cc of water or juice before donating to prevent dehydration and maintain blood sugar levels. This helps prevent dizziness or hypoglycemic symptoms that may occur after donation.

Importance of Blood Donation and Social Impact

The annual blood shortage in Paraguay remains a significant challenge for the national health system. The lack of a fully established voluntary blood donation culture leads to difficulties in blood supply for many hospitals. Campaigns like "Roll Up Your Sleeves for Life" play an essential role in addressing this blood shortage and ensuring a stable blood supply in emergency situations.

Blood donation is an altruistic act that can save countless lives through the simple act of donating one's blood. For patients in need of transfusions due to accidents or illnesses, donated blood can be their last hope for survival. In particular, blood cannot be artificially manufactured, making its importance even greater as it can only be obtained through human donation.

For more detailed information about this campaign or inquiries regarding participation, please contact the San José Alumni Association or the National Blood Program. Your small act of care and participation can be the beginning of a new life for someone.

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