“Our job is to raise awareness in the university community about this social need. Every year we get a stronger response”, said Dr. Belén Zárate, Vice Rector for the University Community. “At the university, we are aware that Catalonia needs 1,000 donations every day. And we want to do our part, as small as it may be. That’s why we organize these blood drives every academic year”, Dr. Zárate explained.

The Barcelona Blood and Tissue Bank regularly reminds the community that giving blood is an act of solidarity, a chance for everyday citizens to get involved in something that benefits society as a whole. The Bank points out that it’s a safe, straightforward and painless procedure that is handled by professionals every step of the way. It takes little time for donors, but can mean the difference between life and death for many patients.

The UIC holds blood drives twice a year, once per semester. The first drive was on Monday, 13 October 2014, and the second took place on Monday, 16 February 2015.