“Asir Follows the Example” Blood Donation Campaign at King Khalid University
The initiative was launched in the presence of officials
In a move embodying the spirit of giving and community solidarity, the President of King Khalid University, Professor Faleh bin Raja'a Allah Al-Sulami, launched a blood donation campaign for higher education staff (universities and technical and vocational training institutions) in the Asir region. This initiative was part of the broader "Asir Follows the Example" campaign, held at the university hospital in the Al-Fara'a campus. The launch was attended by the Director General of the General Directorate of Technical and Vocational Training in the region, Dr. Ahmed bin Ayed Al-Muraie, reflecting the collaborative efforts between the educational and academic sectors to support humanitarian initiatives.
Background and objectives of the “Asir Follows” initiative
The “Asir Follows the Example” initiative is a leading community initiative in the region, launched under the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Turki bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Asir and Chairman of its Development Authority. The initiative aims to instill noble values and high ideals in society, following the example of the wise leadership, headed by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Crown Prince – may God protect them. The initiative is not limited to blood donation alone, but encompasses various aspects of charitable and volunteer work that strengthen national unity and cultivate a sense of responsibility among community members. Blood donation campaigns are a fundamental pillar of the initiative due to their direct importance in saving lives.
The vital importance of blood donation and its impact
Blood donation is of paramount importance to the health sector at both the local and national levels. Every unit of donated blood can contribute to saving the lives of up to three people. The urgent need for blood is particularly acute in emergencies and accidents, major surgeries, and for patients suffering from chronic diseases such as thalassemia and sickle cell anemia, as well as cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Organized blood drives like these help ensure a safe and sufficient supply of blood and its components in blood banks, reducing pressure on hospitals and ensuring their constant readiness to handle critical cases. Furthermore, organizing these drives within academic institutions instills a culture of regular blood donation among young people, creating a new generation of regular donors.
Campaign details at King Khalid University
During the inauguration ceremony, Dr. Al-Salmi toured the Al-Fara’a Medical City, where he inspected the fully equipped blood donation sites at the blood bank and other designated locations. The university emphasized that this campaign embodies the spirit of compassion and solidarity that characterizes the people of the nation, and promotes a culture of giving and social responsibility. The campaign will continue to receive donations from university staff and students until May 31st, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Two donation locations have been designated to facilitate the process: one at the blood bank in the university hospital, and the other at the mobile donation unit stationed near the university's main campus. This reflects the integrated efforts to ensure the campaign's success and the achievement of its noble humanitarian goals.
