Blood donation: Monaco needs you
From left to right: Christophe Robino, Isabelle Berro-Amadei, Pierre Dartout, Céline Caron-Dagioni, Patrice Cellario and Jean Castellini - © Communication Department
At present, the Principality is not self-sufficient and the situation has a price tag.
“Blood is life.” Speaking to Monaco Info, Christophe Robino, Minister for Health and Social Affairs, stressed the crucial importance of blood donation, an act that helps to save thousands of lives.
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“Giving blood saves lives,” continues Christophe Robino, “and I think it’s important to mention all the donors who help to save lives anonymously. We need to campaign to encourage blood donation. (…) Saving lives is the most beautiful act we can carry out. It’s not necessarily trying to break up a fight, responding to an accident or helping someone in need.”
On Wednesday 14 June, World Blood Donor Day, the Princess Grace Hospital (CHPG) shared a video explaining the blood drive procedure and encouraging people to donate. More than 5,000 bags of blood are needed in Monaco every year.
However, as Christophe Robino points out, the Principality is not currently self-sufficient, with only 2,000 bags donated each year. “We collect 2,000 and buy 3,000. This is a significant cost. Not only is there a real need, but nearly €800,000 is spent every year to make up the shortfall,” he says.
AS Monaco also gives blood
As is the case every year, the Principality club also did its bit. On 13 June, the eve of World Blood Donor Day, AS Monaco staff paid a visit to the CHPG blood transfusion centre. Among them were Ben Lambrecht, the club’s CEO and Sébastien Muet, the Academy’s Director.
“It’s important for us to contribute to this cause along with all the other local stakeholders,” said Ben Lambrecht. “Blood donation is vital for many people, which is why we want to make a lasting commitment and use our platform to raise awareness and involve all our stakeholders in the issue. Our role is to make people who live or work in Monaco aware of this act of solidarity.”
This effort enabled us to break the symbolic barrier of 1,000 bags collected in 2023. Dr Mélanie Rinaudo, Head of Department at the CHPG blood transfusion centre, thanked the club for its “invaluable support,” and stressed the upward trend in blood donation in Monaco. “The situation is improving, as in just a few years we have gone from collecting 1,500 to 2,000 blood bags a year. We hope this will continue so that we can reach the target of 5,000 bags,” she explained in a press release issued by AS Monaco.
How can I give blood?
To give blood in the Principality, you can go to the CHPG all year round, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8am to 2pm and on Wednesdays from 10am to 3pm.
You can make an appointment by telephone on +377 97 98 98 20 or via the Monaco Santé website.
A driver is also available (by appointment) to pick you up and take you back to your place of work.