Barranquilla turned to donating blood for earthquake victims in Colombia: 342 units collected and announce new days this week

Barranquilla mobilized to donate blood for earthquake victims in Colombia, collecting 342 units during its first special donation campaign. The city’s administration confirmed that the initiative will continue with additional sessions scheduled for the upcoming days. These donations aim to support blood banks and medical centers treating earthquake survivors, particularly given the increased demand for blood components due to surgeries, trauma, and other complications arising from such disasters. The first donation drive took place across multiple locations in Barranquilla, including the City Hall building, Bolivar Walkway, Barranquilla Green Park, and a venue at the Universidad Iberoamericana de Barranquilla. Hundreds of citizens participated in the effort, demonstrating the community's solidarity in response to the national emergency. The campaign was organized jointly by the municipal government and the National Blood Bank, emphasizing the critical role of blood donations in disaster relief scenarios. Mayor Alejandro Char highlighted the public’s participation and expressed confidence that Barranquilla will continue contributing through various actions to assist affected communities. He noted that the city has already secured water and gasoline supplies, operates a 24-hour collection center for aid, and praised the citizens' gesture of donating blood as a significant contribution. “Barranquilla is solidary and we are doing everything necessary to bring relief to the affected,” he stated. The collected 342 units of blood provide essential support to hospitals and care facilities dealing with the aftermath of the earthquake. This assistance becomes even more crucial in times of heightened demand, which often follows major disasters. The authorities emphasized that these donations help maintain operational capacity within the healthcare system during emergencies. Further efforts are planned, with the administration announcing new donation points set up for August 18, 19, and 20. These sessions will take place at the first floor of the Riomar Local City Hall located on Calle 99 #53-40, operating from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Secretariat of Health, led by Stephanie Araujo, stressed the importance of continuing these drives to expand community involvement and enhance the city’s ability to respond effectively to the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Participants in future donation sessions do not need to fast before giving blood. Authorities reiterated that while there are certain requirements, such as being between 18 and 65 years old, avoiding alcohol consumption prior to donation, and ensuring adequate rest, those with tattoos or piercings can still contribute as long as six months have passed since their last procedure. Authorities anticipate an increase in the number of donated units over the coming days, aiming to sustain a network of support that enables Barranquilla to continue supporting one of the country’s most complex humanitarian crises. The city’s commitment to aiding earthquake victims reflects broader national efforts to address the immediate and long-term impacts of the disaster.