Few minutes that can save lives: blood donation drive at YSU

The "Donate Blood, Save Lives" drive was a direct response to the pressing need for blood across Armenia. The main goal of the program is to provide a vital lifeline for patients facing medical emergencies.

Students, faculty members, and administrative staff participated in the blood donation event at the university. The collected blood will be used to treat children and adults suffering from cancer and blood disorders, women facing high-risk pregnancies, patients undergoing complex surgeries, and to ensure the availability of emergency blood reserves.

Speaking about the initiative, Dr. Astghik Khachatryan of the Ministry of Health's Yeolyan Hematology and Oncology Center noted that such programs are regularly organized to save donors' time. By visiting universities, ministries, and other organizations directly, specialists make the process more accessible. According to her, the initiative aims to tackle one of the country's most critical issues: the shortage of blood reserves.

"We will continue to organize such programs regularly. Since launching this initiative nearly two years ago, we have visited numerous institutions. It is vital for the public to understand the psychological and physical benefits of donation. A single donation is separated into three components, meaning one donor can save up to three lives. Furthermore, regular donors see significant health improvements, such as better blood circulation and a strengthened cardiovascular system," she highlighted.

Syuzanna Yesoyan, Head of the Chair of Ecology and Nature Conservation at the YSU Faculty of Biology, learned about the initiative through an email sent to university staff. Speaking on the significance of the drive, she noted that such initiatives are directly linked to saving lives and play a vital role in cultivating a corresponding culture. 

"During my years of study in France, I noticed how much attention people pay to such issues and how deeply a culture of participation is rooted there. Seeing the profound impact of their efforts, it became a model for me as well. Now, whenever such an initiative is organized at the university, I wholeheartedly welcome it and am glad to participate," she added. 

"Every time an event like this is organized, I participate. If I can help, why shouldn't I?" said Katarina Arakelyan, a student at the YSU Faculty of Informatics and Applied Mathematics. 

Katarina also emphasized that she strives to be as helpful as possible to her community through both volunteering and blood donation.

"I encourage my friends to participate as well, because the goal is one: to help people and save lives," the student concluded.