Block parades to encourage blood donation

Revelry and public service were joined today (Feb. 2) in Rio de Janeiro. The carnival block Vem Doar Pra Mim (Donate to Me, in an unofficial translation), organized by the State Institute of Hematology (HEMORIO) and the non-governmental organization Masan Institute, paraded at the streets of the city's center, in order to attract public attention to the need to donate blood.

The idea is to increase HEMORIO's blood bag stocks, which tend to be reduced during this period of street parties, due to the rising demand, as well as to the drop in voluntary donations.

According to Alexandre Sapucaia, sustainability coordinator of Masan Institute, the street parade is held on a working day to catch the attention of those moving around the city center.

Shimeny Alonso, 31, says he started to donate blood two years ago, after a donation campaign as the one organized by the carnival block. "I have always wanted to donate [blood], because I know it saves many lives, but I was afraid of it. After I donated for the first time, I felt great. There is no need to be afraid to donate blood. It doesn't hurt, it's fast, and we feel just great," he said.

Mainly Masan Institute's employees and people served by the non-governmental organization, like residents of poor communities, have gone on the block parade. This year, the music was performed by Orquestra Voadora, a band that plays on wind and percussion instruments.

Translated by Amarílis Anchieta