The Hematology and Hemotherapy Center (Hemocenter) of Unicamp is promoting the mobilization campaign "Accept the Challenge?" throughout this month, encouraging the community to make at least one blood donation during the so-called Red June, a national movement to raise awareness about the practice. More than just recruiting donors, the campaign aims to strengthen the culture of voluntary and regular donation, essential to guarantee the care of hospitals and the well-being of patients who depend daily on blood transfusions.
“During this period, we traditionally observe a reduction in the number of donors due to lower temperatures and the mid-year holiday period, which directly impacts blood supplies,” says Dr. Carolina Costa Lima Salmoiraghi, director of the blood collection service at the Blood Center.
According to the director, the blood stocks are monitored daily and face significant challenges. "Currently, blood types O-, O+, and B- are in a critical situation, with less than two days' worth of stock available. Type A- is on alert, while the other blood groups are in a more stable situation," she states.
The Blood Center emphasizes that maintaining safe blood supplies is essential to ensure the care of emergencies, surgeries, cancer treatments, transplants, and other procedures that depend on blood availability.
During Red June, the expectation is to surpass the results obtained in previous editions. “In 2025, during the campaign, the Blood Center received approximately 5.500 blood donations. For 2026, the expectation is to exceed the mark of 6 donors throughout the month, driven by awareness campaigns, external collections, the extraordinary opening on a Sunday [on the 28th] and the holding of the Run for Life race on World Blood Donor Day [June 14th],” adds Salmoiraghi.
"Considering that each bag of blood can benefit up to four patients, reaching this goal represents the possibility of positively impacting the lives of more than 24 people who need transfusions and blood components for their treatments," says the doctor.
People between the ages of 16 and 69, in good health, well-nourished, and carrying an official photo ID, can donate blood. Minors need authorization from their guardians.
Currently, the Unicamp Blood Center has five fixed collection points, distributed to facilitate access for the population. In addition, teams carry out external collections in different cities and institutions in the region. The complete schedule of mobile collections is available on the Blood Center's official website.
In addition to awareness campaigns, the Blood Center is promoting a themed race open to the public on June 14th, World Blood Donor Day. Registration can be done through the event's official website: https://www.minhasinscricoes.com.br/Evento/RunforLife2026
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