More than 30 fire stations across Catalonia will participate in the twelfth edition of a major blood donation campaign, uniting local heroes with the critical mission of the region’s blood bank. The annual initiative, titled ‘Els bombers i les bomberes t’acompanyen a donar sang’ (Firefighters accompany you to donate blood), began this Tuesday with an ambitious goal to surpass 2,000 individual donations.
The campaign represents a long-standing collaboration between the Bombers de la Generalitat, Catalonia’s official firefighting corps, and the Banc de Sang i Teixits, the region’s blood and tissue bank. Organisers confirmed in a statement released on Tuesday that the drive aims not only to bolster blood supplies but also to raise awareness about the constant need for donations to support patients in hospitals throughout the region.
Campaign Expands Across Catalonia
This year’s edition sees a significant expansion, demonstrating the campaign’s growing momentum. For the first time, the Pompièrs d’Aran, the fire service for the unique Val d’Aran region, will officially collaborate. Moreover, several new fire stations in the provinces of Tarragona and the Terres de l’Ebre have joined the cause, including crews from El Vendrell, L’Ametlla de Mar, Ascó, Ulldecona, and Móra la Nova.
The increased presence in the Tarragona region highlights the diverse roles firefighters play in their communities, from emergency response to public health initiatives. This community engagement comes as emergency services in the area continue to manage challenging situations, including a recent incident where a man was arrested for arson after also threatening firefighting crews.
A Dual Mission: Blood and Bone Marrow
Beyond collecting blood, the campaign has a second, equally vital objective: recruiting new bone marrow donors for the Spanish national registry, REDMO. As reported by Europa Press, there is a special appeal for young people between the ages of 18 and 40 to register. Younger donors are often preferred for medical reasons, as their cells can lead to better outcomes for transplant recipients battling diseases like leukaemia.
This community health drive is a grassroots effort that supports Catalonia’s wider healthcare system, which has faced its own set of pressures. The initiative serves as a powerful example of public solidarity at a time when other public sector workers, including doctors and teachers, have recently held protests over working conditions.
Public bodies under the authority of the Generalitat de Catalunya, the Catalan government, oversee the entire operation. The government’s focus on public welfare extends to various sectors, with recent announcements including an ambitious €1.9 billion budget for new housing initiatives across the region.
How to Participate
Residents who wish to contribute to the campaign are encouraged to schedule an appointment to ensure a smooth and efficient donation process. Bookings can be made directly through the official Banc de Sang website.
By using their trusted position in society, the firefighters hope to inspire a new wave of donors, reminding the public that giving blood is a simple act that has a profound, life-saving impact.
