Blood donation campaign at Octávio Lobo Hospital raises 94 bags
Collections were carried out at the institution and at the mobile unit of Hemopa, located in front of the unit; donations can benefit up to 376 patients
In partnership with the Foundation Center for Hemotherapy and Hematology of Pará (Hemopa), the Octávio Lobo Children's Oncology Hospital (Hoiol) held another blood donation campaign in Belém this Thursday (11). Regularly conducted by the institutions, these initiatives are responsible for reinforcing the stocks of blood components offered to patients treated at the unit. A total of 94 bags were collected. Hoiol is a reference in the diagnosis and treatment of children and adolescents with cancer.
Hemopa provided a mobile unit in the external area of the Hospital, in addition to a fixed collection point set up at the reception. “The partnership with Hemopa is extremely important for Hoiol. The structure and training of the teams allow us to have an appropriate environment to guide and welcome donors. And through a diverse program, we promote the cause, which is not only that of the Hospital, but of everyone. Donating blood saves lives,” emphasized Hoiol's general director, Sara Castro.
Transfusion Agency - Responsible for ensuring safe transfusion support to patients, the Transfusion Agency of the Octávio Lobo Children's Oncology Hospital has an intense routine. “Our job is to receive blood from the blood center, store it according to ideal conditions, and release blood components as needed by the patients. Each medical request is evaluated before release to ensure that the use is rational and safe,” explained hematologist Iê Bentes Fernandez.
The main blood components received are red blood cell concentrates, platelets, plasma, and cryoprecipitate. “The largest group of patients we serve includes those with acute leukemias, who already present anemia and thrombocytopenia (decreased platelet count in the blood) due to the disease itself. With chemotherapy, there is an even greater drop in blood cells, making frequent replenishment necessary,” informed the doctor from the Transfusion Agency.
At Hoiol, about 300 transfusions are performed per month. Therefore, in addition to clinical care, the team works on raising awareness among families. “Essential for treatment, blood cannot be bought. It comes from donations. Therefore, we depend on the sensitization of the population. Thus, we inform families about the need to mobilize people to ensure blood replenishment. This guidance to families is provided by the Transfusion Agency and the multidisciplinary team,” reinforced Iê Fernandez.
According to the social worker from the Hemopa Foundation, Camila Medina, the adherence of potential donors is usually positive in campaigns held at the Children's Oncology Hospital. “We observe significant participation, both from employees and families, as well as those who pass by the Hospital,” she highlighted.
In addition to contributing to the supply of blood stocks, donors have access to some tests. The screening includes blood sugar measurement, blood pressure assessment, and eight other tests, including tests for hepatitis, HIV, and syphilis. Blood typing is also performed. The results are available within seven days on the Hemopa website and can only be accessed by presenting the login and password provided to the donor.
Criteria - To donate, one must be between 18 and 69 years old (with 60 being the age limit for the first donation), be in good health, have slept at least six hours the night before, and be well-fed. The recommended frequency is up to four donations per year for men (minimum interval of 60 days) and up to three for women (minimum interval of 90 days). But Camila Medina reminded that those who cannot donate blood can help in mobilization. “Everyone can be encouraging agents, inviting family and friends,” she emphasized.
This was the second time that Hoiol's hospitality supervisor, Fagner Reis, decided to donate. “We know that donating blood saves lives, and that this gesture can represent the smile of a child. At the Children's Oncology Hospital, we have a motto: ‘when you donate, the fun continues’. That’s why I went to bed early and came to the Hospital prepared to donate. Lives depend on solidarity, and I believe that everyone’s motivation should lie in empathy and the desire to help others, without distinction,” he stated.
Attractions - The program included an educational action carried out by the Environmental Police Battalion of the Pará Military Police (PMPA), and the exhibition “Hospital Education Sowing Knowledge in the Amazon,” organized by teachers from the Hospital Class Prof. Roberto França, from Hoiol. The exhibition featured various items made during the execution of sustainability projects carried out at the institution.
The audience also enjoyed performances by Júlio Mendes and Lili Barros, Jhon Garcia, Luciana Lins & Band, Banda Balada Kids, Tio Bala, DJ Ruano, Banda Halley, Fafá Maniva, and Us Carapanãs, Potentes do Brega, Paulo Kamello, Nathan Corrêa, Lagoinha Music Belém, and the mascots of Clube do Remo (Leão Malino) and Paysandu (Lobo Mau).
Blood donation is a quick, safe, and essential process to save lives. To donate, it is mandatory to present an official photo ID, and in the case of minors under 18, they must be accompanied by a legal guardian. Those who could not attend Hoiol during the campaign can still contribute. Just go to any Hemopa collection point and inform the code 1766.
Service: Accredited as a High Complexity Unit in Oncology (Unacon), Hoiol is a reference in the Amazon region for the specialized diagnosis and treatment of childhood and adolescent cancer, in the age group between 0 and 19 years. Currently, the unit managed by the Institute Diretrizes, in partnership with the State Department of Public Health (Sespa), serves more than 900 patients from 144 municipalities in Pará and neighboring states.
Text: Ellyson Ramos - Ascom/Hoiol
