Hemopa and ITEP promote blood donation campaign focused on new multipliers

To strengthen the culture of blood donation among young people and to form information multipliers, the Pará Center for Hemotherapy and Hematology Foundation (Hemopa) promoted, this Tuesday (27), a campaign in partnership with the Technological Institute of the State of Pará (ITEP). The action took place at Hemopa's headquarters in the Batista Campos neighborhood of Belém and was supported by a mobile collection unit and a room specially prepared to welcome donors.

More than just encouraging donations, the initiative sought to demystify the act of donating blood and engage health students in the mission of raising awareness in their communities. For Cida Salgado, a social worker at Hemopa, there are still many misconceptions that deter potential donors. "Many people still think that donating blood is a complicated process or that one must be a regular donor," she commented.

She emphasizes that students from technical or higher education in health have a strategic role in multiplying this information — both now and in their future professional roles.

Who also believes in the power of education to transform realities is Nayara Chaves, a professor and nurse at ITEP. She accompanied the students during the campaign and highlighted that the activity aligns with the principles that govern health education. "Our goal is to put into practice the four pillars of health: protection, prevention, recovery, and rehabilitation."

During the visit, the students participated in the “HemoTour,” a guided tour of Hemopa's sectors, where they could understand how the collected blood is processed and how a single donation can benefit up to four people. Nayara mentioned that many students, even those who had never donated before, were moved by the experience and decided to donate for the first time.

The initiative also attracted frequent donors, such as Thalia Oliveira, who has been visiting Hemopa for about 10 years. She shared her story and praised the opportunity to learn more about the foundation's behind-the-scenes work. "My first donation was at 18, and since then, it has been part of my routine. I found it very interesting to get a closer look at the structure and the process, things we don't always have the chance to see," she reported.

Thalia also extended an invitation to those who still have doubts or fears about donating. "Come and donate, because it saves lives, it doesn't hurt, and it's very easy."

The campaign reinforces the importance of youth involvement and technical training in citizenship actions, and shows that donating blood goes far beyond a charitable gesture — it is a choice that can transform lives.

Text: Felipe Borges (intern) under the supervision of Aline Seabra - Ascom/Hemopa