Félix Sánchez Rodríguez was 18 years old when he extended his arm for the first time to donate blood. He did so with the certainty that he would save lives and, for that reason, he returned many other times. Now, with more than four decades, he remembers his beginnings in this noble task and the naturalness in his words reveals the simple human being that inhabits him.

Las Tunas, Cuba.- For him, this gesture is a duty and a way to feel useful. "As long as I can do it, I'll be here," he says convinced. He knows that his contribution is vital for the development of the surgical activity, the Maternal and Child Program, the manufacture of medicines, and other assistance procedures.

Sánchez Rodríguez is part of the long list of people who show great love for their neighbor through this act of solidarity. This was recognized during the tribute ceremony for World Blood Donor Day 2021.

Dr. Yoaska Boffil Borroto, deputy director of the 28 de Septiembre Provincial Blood Bank, referred to the effort in a period that accounted for more than 15 thousand 700 donations, an over-compliance in the contribution of plasma, and all that was expected of leukocyte concentrate.

“The blood components - she explained - are sent to the biopharmaceutical industry as raw material for the manufacture of medicines, albumin, gamma globulin, and Transfer Factor, used in the treatment protocol for COVID-19 patients, and Anti-D, essential for the Maternal and Child Program (PAMI).

The performance of the institution's collective and those who promote this program was recognized at the event; besides the political and mass organizations, without which it would not be possible to ensure transfusion services which, in turn, guarantee medical services.

“Recognition goes to those who, through anonymity, help preserve the existence of many people, and return hope and smiles to countless families,” she said.

Every June 14, World Blood Donor Day is celebrated, instituted by the World Health Organization in commemoration of the birth of the Austrian Dr. Karl Landsteiner, a pathologist, and biologist, discoverer of the human blood groups. This 2021 promotes the slogan "Donate blood so that the world continues to beat."

In Cuba, this gesture has Fidel Castro as its main promoter. Today, in the midst of the confrontation with COVID-19, the legacy of the Historical Leader takes on special validity and also his words, when he affirmed that “what a blood donation means cannot be measured in millions.”