The French Blood Establishment (EFS) stands out in terms of communication.
For several weeks, he has been multiplying provocative messages on social networks to encourage people to donate blood.
"The start of the school year stings, but with us it's for a good cause", could we read on January 2.
A good resolution for 2023?
“Easier than going to the gym 3 times a week: go donate blood 3 times a year”.
So many requests can be explained by the particularly low level of reserves.
“Red alert all over France”, pointed out the EFS on December 18.
This Thursday morning, François Braun even affirmed that France had “only 14-15 days left of stocks”.
" It is insufficient.
You have to go give your blood, ”urged the Minister of Health on France 2, who will himself reach out his arm next Tuesday.
Ouch... pic.twitter.com/WRHzCSFPU2
– French Blood Establishment (@EFS_dondesang) December 22, 2022
Regularly, calls to donate blood are issued by the authorities, because of "too low" reserves.
Is the situation really more critical today than on previous occasions?
In reality, it has above all improved significantly compared to mid-December.
“Today, we have 86,000 blood bags available, compared to 78,000 on December 19”, indicates to the Parisian Hervé Meinrad, director of collection and production at the EFS.
“Usually, during the end-of-year holidays, we lose between 7,000 and 15,000 pockets.
So it's very positive, and it shows that the French have been sensitive to calls for donations, ”he rejoices.
"We avoided the disaster"
Still, the situation remains far from optimal for this time of year.
Ideally, there should be around 95,000 to be “serene” at the start of winter.
“We avoided the catastrophe but this dynamic must continue.
We need this to be part of a regularity, and that the donors come to see us three times a year without necessarily asking questions, ”advances Hervé Meinrad.
Collection was disrupted last fall by the 9th wave of Covid and by the various winter viruses (influenza, RSV, etc.).
Enough to make a lot of French people sick, and therefore prevent them from donating blood.
"From the moment you had a fever, you have to wait 15 days", illustrates the head of the EFS.
More generally, not everyone can donate blood.
In particular, you must be between the ages of 18 and 70, weigh more than 50 kg, not be under treatment for a chronic illness, not have already been transfused or transplanted, etc.
The EFS offers on its site a questionnaire, in the form of a quiz, allowing you to know if you are eligible.
Contrary to "fake news" which is still circulating, being vaccinated against Covid-19 is not a criterion preventing you from donating blood.
