Suzano mobilizes employees for blood donation in Mogi das Cruzes and Americana (SP)

Suzano, the world's largest pulp producer and a global leader in manufacturing bioproducts derived from eucalyptus, organized a blood drive in support of the Santa Casa de Mogi das Cruzes Blood Bank (SP) and the Dr. Waldemar Tebaldi Municipal Hospital Blood Bank in Americana (SP). The initiative, held on the 13th, mobilized 71 volunteer employees and their families, in observance of World Blood Donor Day, celebrated on the 14th.

The initiative is part of Suzano's Voluntariar Program, which for over 20 years has encouraged volunteering, solidarity, and citizenship among employees, service providers, and their families, in partnership with the Health and Quality of Life team. The mobilization contributed to the supply of the Mogi das Cruzes Transfusion Hemocenter, which is responsible for serving hospitals and clinics in the Alto Tietê region.

"This action reinforces one of Suzano's guiding principles: it's only good for us if it's good for the world. With a simple gesture, we can save lives. By encouraging blood donation among employees and partners, we expand our positive impact on society," says Adriano Martins, coordinator of Suzano's Voluntariar Program.

According to the Transfusion Hemocenter and the Americana Blood Bank, blood supplies are below ideal levels, especially at this time of year. The approaching winter, festive holidays, and the World Cup contribute to a drop in the number of donors. The units emphasize the particular need for O and A type blood, both positive and negative.

A Traditional Initiative

The campaign has been held since 2018 and takes place twice a year, in June and November, in observance of World Blood Donor Day and National Blood Donor Day, respectively.

Employee Evelyn Cristina Alves knows the importance of blood donation in saving lives. Although this will be her first time participating in the campaign promoted by Suzano, Evelyn emphasizes that for her, blood donation has been a long-standing habit.

"Blood donation has been a part of my life for many years. My motivation began when I participated in a campaign to help a mother who needed donors for her hospitalized daughter. Later, this cause gained even greater significance when my own son needed heart surgery and was admitted to the ICU. Experiencing this reality firsthand showed me how much a donation can make a difference in a family's life. Participating in the campaign promoted by Suzano for the first time brings me joy, because in addition to replenishing blood bank supplies, the initiative mobilizes people around solidarity and demonstrates how small actions can generate and share significant values in our society," Evelyn highlights.

Employee Luiz Fernando Ferreira is a natural donor and understands the importance of blood donation in saving lives. He explains that he started donating blood before joining Suzano's Voluntariar Program initiative, but he always makes an effort to participate in the company's campaign.

"I already have a habit of donating blood, and I participated in Suzano's campaign last year. As soon as the initiative resumed this year, I made sure to sign up again. I think it's very important for companies to promote actions like this because they help raise awareness about an issue that often only gets attention when someone close needs help. Donating blood is a simple, safe gesture that can save lives. Furthermore, it creates a very positive feeling of being able to contribute to those in need. That's why I believe everyone who can should participate," Luiz emphasizes.

The Importance of Blood Donation

According to the Ministry of Health, blood is essential in a variety of medical situations, and the only source is through voluntary donation from healthy individuals. Donations are primarily used for emergency surgeries, accidents causing hemorrhage, and for treating oncology patients, those with chronic anemia, and other serious illnesses. Also according to the Ministry, one blood donation can benefit up to four people. In the action promoted by Suzano last Saturday, the 18 donations could benefit up to 68 people.

According to the Ministry of Health, blood is essential in a variety of medical situations, and the only source is through voluntary donation from healthy individuals. Donations are primarily used for emergency surgeries, accidents causing hemorrhage, and for treating oncology patients, those with chronic anemia, and other serious illnesses. Also according to the Ministry, one blood donation can benefit up to four people. In the action promoted by Suzano last Saturday, the 71 donations could benefit up to 252 people.

Donations in Mogi das Cruzes (SP)

The Transfusion Hemocenter operates at two addresses:

• Av. Antônio Marques Figueira, 1861, downtown Suzano

• Av. Barão de Jaceguai, 1148, downtown Mogi das Cruzes

Service is available Monday to Saturday:

• Mogi das Cruzes: 8 AM to 1 PM

• Suzano: from 7 AM to 5 PM

To donate, an appointment is required by phone at (11) 4752-9999.

Information about donation criteria can be found directly on the organization's website via the link https://www.transfusao.srv.br/home/.

Donations in Americana (SP)

The Americana Blood Bank remains open to receive donations from the community. Service is available Monday to Friday, from 7:30 AM to 1 PM, with entrance through the parking lot on Rua Cuiabá, in Jardim Nossa Senhora de Fátima.

No appointment is necessary. More information can be obtained by phone at (19) 3468-1739 or via WhatsApp at (19) 99148-1067.

Information about donation criteria can be found at this link: https://www.saudeamericana.com.br/v2/doe-sangue/.