JAKARTA – Aisyah looked on from her spot in the blood donation queue. It didn’t take long before her name was called for health assessment and blood pressure check. Fortunately, the Jakarta native and employee of a Pancoran-based company was no stranger to the process. Having attended similar events many times, Aisyah said there are perks to this activity that keep her coming back.
“I’ve been doing this for the past few years, and my body ends up feeling lighter each time,” she added.
Her peers shared her enthusiasm. “It’s nice to be involved [in blood drives], but sometimes we don’t feel like going all the way to the Red Cross (PMI) office. It’s easier with company blood drives, you just take the elevator down, and get it done. It would be great to have these more often, like maybe twice a year.”
Compared to recent years, there is better awareness among Indonesians of the benefits blood donation provides. But the number of donors remains lower than that of more advanced countries. Several factors are at play, from hard-to-reach medical facilities to the lack of time to donate.
It is crucial that companies provide opportunities, support, or facilities for workplace blood donations. After all, the entire procedure takes only a few minutes of the workers’ time.
“On average, people like it if they can donate, but [often] they’re held back by time and distance. That’s why we also open our doors to non-Korindo employees and members of the local community. We put up banners at several points in the [company’s] neighborhood to let them know,” said Korindo Foundation manager Agung Cahyanto. Korindo Foundation is a non-profit organization run by Korindo Group to execute its social-oriented Corporate Social Contribution (CSC) programs.
There are 130 applicants for 2024, which are a mix of employees (both Korindo and non-Korindo) and Pancoran residents. From year to year since the program’s launch, its potential donor pool has continued to expand.
The Thursday (6/21) event was supported by the local Red Cross (PMI) and Clemont Finance Indonesia. The event’s theme was “Be a reason for someone smile, let’s donate blood”.
“We want to take part in corporate social responsibility events, like this blood drive with Korindo Group and nearby communities. There’s currently a blood supply shortage at the Red Cross, and many, including us, are trying to help with the collection,” explained Clemont Finance Indonesia director Eddy Susanto Sukardi. He was among the donors on that day.
Working with companies on blood donation events is one of the ways a region can meet its blood supply needs. Due to high demand, the Red Cross is often left with very few or even no blood bags, which can increase patient mortality rates. (PR)