On Sunday, February 21, 2021, the International WeLoveU Foundation volunteers arose in the Dominican Republic. They donated 57 pints of blood to help the Hospital of Oncology Institute of Dr. Heriberto Pieter in Santo Domingo. The ongoing pandemic led to a blood shortage supply in hospitals and blood banks, and it complicated patients’ access to life-saving blood. The activity supports the National Blood Drive, with other blood drives held across the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

Very early in the morning, a handful of volunteers arrived at the hospital to set up. They organized and decorated the space with posters that explained the importance of donating blood. As soon as registration opened, donors walked in and waited their turn in the waiting area. All participants followed all security measures and physical distancing protocol.  

Non-Remunerated Blood Donations Are Key

“We were amazed when the members of the WeLoveU Foundation approached us to coordinate a blood drive to help the hospital. We usually seek help from other blood banks because of the high demand in this hospital. Therefore, it is of great help to receive support from these young adults who donate with a great attitude that is greatly inspiring. They are truly an example for our society,” expressed Rafael Jimenez, director of the blood bank at the Hospital of Oncology of Dr. Heriberto Pieter. 

The medical center director went on to explain how non-remunerated blood donations are the best and most important. That is because unpaid, voluntary blood donations contribute to increasing the inventory in blood banks. 

“Usually, people donate when a family member is sick and in need of blood which means that blood banks are barely left with any pints of blood for storing. Therefore, what these young people do is very important. The pints of blood will be stored to reduce the deficit, which unfortunately is very high in our country,” said the medical director.   

At the end of the blood drive, the WeLoveU Foundation received a Certificate of Recognition from the hospital. The center thanked the WeLoveU volunteers for contributing to the blood bank’s solidarity. WeLoveU hopes to continue to inspire others to participate in future blood drives.