The Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) celebrated World Blood Donor Day 2024 with a series of impactful events and activities. This annual global event highlights the crucial role of voluntary blood donors in saving lives and improving community health. This year’s theme, “20 Years of Celebrating Giving: Thank You, Blood Donors!” focused on expressing gratitude to the millions of voluntary blood donors worldwide.
The campaign aimed to recognize the vital contributions of blood donors and emphasized the ongoing need for regular, unpaid blood donations to ensure universal access to safe blood transfusions. It also sought to encourage a culture of regular blood donation among young people and the general public, aiming to increase both the diversity and sustainability of the blood donor pool.
To mark the occasion, the KIMS Blood Center organized a voluntary blood donation drive, inviting all hospital departments to participate and show their appreciation and solidarity with generous blood donors. The main event was inaugurated by the Senior Adviser Dr. P.K. Pattnaik. The Principal Dr. Ambika P. Mohanty, Medical Superintendent Dr. R.C. Das, and Group Director Sri Dillip Panda also graced the occasion by their presence.
The celebration featured a heart-warming cake-cutting ceremony with children who receive chronic transfusion support from the blood centre. These children expressed their gratitude by offering cakes and flowers to donors and presenting personalized tokens of appreciation. The blood donors pledged to continue their regular donations, ensuring that no one loses their life due to a shortage of blood.
KIMS remains steadfast in its mission to promote voluntary blood donation and raise awareness about its life-saving benefits. The World Blood Donor Day celebrations reflect the institution’s dedication to this cause, in alignment with the Founder’s motto, “Art of Giving.”