blood supply has reached a critical level
The French Blood Establishment is sounding the alert. Blood reserves have reached a dangerously critical level in France of 77,000 pockets of red blood cells throughout the country, while the level is 100,000. The collection path is not quickly.
The EFS is worried, in fact, of not being able to provide the blood bags necessary to treat patients. Especially since the forecast for the coming weeks is particularly alarming on the donation front.
A call for general mobilization
In an attempt to redress the bar, the president of the EFS therefore calls for general mobilization. François Toujas called on all his teams, associations and volunteers from the French federation of blood donors to replenish the reserves.
Objective: 30,000 bags of red blood cells in three weeks
Collections will be exceptionally reinforced and extended, both in donation centers and during mobile collections. Including welcoming donors who come without an appointment. The campaign starts this week and will last three weeks, until October 16 inclusive.
The goal is clear: to collect 30,000 bags of red blood cells. Plasma collections can even be deprogrammed to focus staff on donating whole blood.
How did we come to this situation: the health crisis had a strong impact on the activity of the EFS and over the past two weeks, 15% of the collection slots have even remained vacant. In addition, collections in companies, high schools or on campuses which represent 20 to 30% of donations have been largely suspended. Finally, the French Blood Establishment lacks health personnel to fully accomplish its mission.
No less than 200 positions for nurses, doctors and biologists remain vacant. The EFS is in the process of being recruited. To apply, a site has even been set up (www.efsrecrute.fr).
To find out where to give and make an appointment: www.dondesang.efs.sante.fr or on the “blood donation” app.