Donate Blood, Donate Life: Universidade Católica Hosts IPST Blood Donation Campaign

The Universidade Católica Portuguesa will once again open its doors to the Portuguese Blood and Transplant Institute (IPST) for a blood collection at its headquarters in Lisbon.

This solidarity action, which aims to strengthen national blood banks, will take place on 14 November at the School of Nursing, Building 2, Laboratory 1, between 9am and 1pm, and from 3pm to 7pm, and participation is open to the entire academic community and the general public.

The importance of this initiative is underlined by António de Almeida, Haematologist and Director of the Faculty of Medicine at Católica, who warns of the "alarming reality" of the shortage of blood in hospitals, directly affecting "thousands of people who depend on transfusions to survive", including accident victims, mothers who suffer haemorrhages during childbirth and cancer patients who need chemotherapy.

"We can all contribute to helping these patients: by donating blood", says the lecturer, emphasising that blood donation is a “simple, safe and deeply supportive gesture, capable of saving up to three lives at a time”.

As well as being an act of individual generosity, blood donation represents a social commitment. "That's why we're calling on the academic community in particular to join this cause. As students, teachers and staff at UCP, we have an enormous social responsibility and a unique ability to have an important impact", emphasises António de Almeida.

The appeal is clear: "mobilise yourselves, take part in this blood donation campaign and encourage your colleagues, teachers and friends to do the same", he stresses.

The Vice-Rector of the Universidade Católica, José Manuel Pereira de Almeida, also emphasises the profound value of this act of solidarity, pointing out that: "Life is a gift and is called to make itself a gift for the life of others. Giving blood is sharing life".

With this action, the Universidade Católica reaffirms its commitment to promoting initiatives of citizenship and social impact. Come and make a difference - donate blood, donate life!