June 14, the Voluntary Blood Donation Day, has become a tradition, and for the third consecutive year civil servants, the administrative staff and the Cabinet of the Prime Minister donated today blood for children suffering from thalassemia. The mobile unit of the Red Cross was set up in the protocol hall at COD early this morning. In addition to the administrative staff, Prime Minister Edi Rama, a regular blood donor, donated blood for the children who have a vital need for it. The Prime Minister defined blood donation an act of solidarity equal to a life, and called for awareness on the necessity for solidarity.

“Actually, it is an essential expression of solidarity for the benefit not only of those who are in need, but also of those who give blood, because it is very healthy for the body. Therefore, the reason I urge everyone to give blood is because in addition to helping so many children and so many people who have a vital need for blood, at the same time they do something good for their body.

I’m very proud that we have this very old tradition, since the time I was in the municipality of Tirana, and we continue with it, and it is a good thing that the number of those who become aware is increasing. Thus, differently from the first year, the administration here has realized that by giving blood, they actually make a very important action for the people, and primarily for the children in critical need.”

Red Cross representative Angjelina Pulluqi also called for support to the children suffering from thalassemia.

“June 14 is the Day of Voluntary Blood Donation. This year, 3000 bags were collected across the country, 1500 of which in Tirana only. I take this opportunity to make an appeal to healthy people who are able to donate blood, that this is a human action, it means saving a life, it means donating a smile to a child suffering from thalassemia, and I would invite everyone to join our call to donate blood and save lives. I am glad that, just like many other times, June 14 is being finalized in the Prime Ministry.”