“You can donate until you are 70”: volunteer blood donors in Bagnols see an increase in blood donations in 2024

Dominique Rondel, member of the Bagnols volunteer blood donor association, and Elodie Pardo, the President, recorded an average of 15 new donors per collection in 2024. Midi Libre – A C. D.

The last day of 2024 in Bagnols-sur-Cèze took place on December 22 at the multicultural hall. That day, 150 donors showed up.

It was an opportunity to give a gift that could save lives before the holidays. The last Christmas blood drive of the year in Bagnols-sur-Cèze took place on Monday, December 22 at the multicultural hall. Organized by the association of volunteer blood donors of Bagnols in partnership with the French Blood Establishment, this drive was decked out in the colors of the end-of-year holidays with a slightly glittery decoration and foie gras as a snack. That day, 150 donors showed up. “Like the Halloween drive, we try to have themed days, explains Elodie Pardo, president of the association of volunteer blood donors of Bagnols-sur-Cèze. This allows us to be better at communicating and to recreate a pleasant setting to attract more people.”

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This Christmas collection was carried out in partnership with the association Enfants Cancer Santé Occitanie. For each collection, €1 was donated to the collective to finance research. “Thanks to this partnership, we are making two donations in one, emphasizes the president. I think it attracted more donors for this day.”

87 new donors

Like the collection on December 22, the year 2024 was prolific for the Bagnolaise association. In total, the nurses took 770 samples over six days spread over the year. On average, 128 blood samples were taken per collection. Another reason for satisfaction is that the association recorded 87 new donors.

“It's a satisfactory year because in previous years, we were short of donors, analyzes Elodie Pardo. The age range of donors is very wide. In fact, you can donate up to 70 years old. As for young people, in general, those who donate also have parents who are donors.”

The next blood drive will take place on March 3, 2025. For those who are hesitant, an exchange is possible on site to reassure and explain the process.