Česky
Since the beginning of this year, she and her colleagues have performed 5,481 whole blood donations, 207 of which have been made to so-called first-time donors - those who are donating blood for the first time in their lives. Three first-time donors had their first donation on World Blood Donor Day. One of them was the accountant Aneta Dušková from Beroun. "I wanted to do the right thing. Everyone in my family donates. Today I am here with my dad, who supported me. He has already donated almost twenty times himself," Aneta revealed.
Zdeňka Šmatláková also came with her. "I have been donating regularly four times a year for more than seven years. Today I am going for my thirtieth collection. Every time I tell myself that I will definitely help someone with my blood," said Mrs Šmatláková.
World Blood Donor Day has been held regularly since 2004. It is dedicated to celebrating and promoting blood donation, which is essential to preserving the lives and health of millions of people. This special day is always celebrated under a different slogan that highlights the important aspects of donation. The motto of this year's jubilee commemorated its main actors and read: "Blood donors, thank you!"
The blood transfusion station of the Hořovice Hospital is the largest blood collection point in the Central Bohemia Region. In 2023, a record 12,243 free donations took place there. Professional associations such as police officers from Berounsko, students from Beroun and Hořovice secondary schools, volunteer fire brigades, sports clubs and dozens of jubilee donors, including many employees, have played a major role in this. "I am very happy that they are setting an example. Every day I meet our doctors, nurses, paramedics, as well as colleagues from the operational and administrative departments," adds Pavlína Nováková.
Any healthy individual aged 18 to 65 can donate blood. Only a healthy person under the age of 60 can become a first-time donor. Persons who have had infectious hepatitis, syphilis, tuberculosis, typhoid fever or certain tropical diseases in the past cannot donate blood.
Donors and first-time donors can make an appointment at the Hořovice Hospital blood transfusion station by calling 311 559 402 on weekdays from 10 am to 2 pm. Donations are carried out every working day from 6 am to 11 am.
