THE ROTARY initiative to generate greater awareness for the need to donate blood regularly, got underway last Sunday. Centro Hospitalar do Barlavento hosted an enthusiastic group of Rotarians from Silves, Portimão and Praia da Rocha, as well as other donors.
Englishman, Danny Briggs, who has only recently moved to the Algarve, was an early donor. Danny, who is now retired, lives in the Silves area with his wife Janet, and has been a donor for many years. However, this was his first visit to give blood in nearly four years, due to pressure of work.
Certificates to commemorate the occasion were presented to all donors by the president of Silves Club, Isabel Flores. The hospital’s Dr Roger Oliveira welcomed the initiative and explained that for every donation of blood, 20 patients can be helped.
This event marked the beginning of a project that will publicise blood donating as a way of life. Publicity and competitions aimed at schools and other groups will follow.
Organiser of the event, Rotarian, Herbert Chatters, of Silves Club, praised Dr Roger and his team for providing this opportunity and thanked those who had attended. He added: “There is a misconception here in the Algarve that giving blood is a long and ponderous operation. That is not true of the organisation at the Centro Hospitalar do Barlavento in Portimão. Donor sessions are held on the first Sunday of each month between 9am and 12 noon and the process is quick.”
The next session will be on Sunday, August 7, and anyone is welcome to attend. They will also be presented with a special Rotary certificate by Dr Roger.
Anyone requiring further information can also phone Herbert Chatters on 282 381 508. Contributed
