Budimir Vlahović, Dejan Subotić, Zoran Bulatović, Branislav Pajković, Vesko Ostojić and Dragan Tadić are multiple voluntary donors who were awarded recognition by the Blood Transfusion Institute for their engagement in the previous year.
In addition to them, the award was given to the voluntary blood donor clubs from Nikšić and Danilovgrad, the Red Cross Herceg Novi, while the organization of the year was the Center for NGO Development (CRNVO).
The Transfusion Institute marked World Blood Donor Day in this way today.
Recognition for platelet donation was given to Zoran Abramović, Mirko Kuzman, and Miljan Žuža. Podgorica resident Vukota Jasović, who has been a voluntary donor for four decades, received a lifetime achievement award.
The most active company last year was "Water Supply and Sewerage", while the most active educational institutions were the Vocational Medical School and the Faculty of Civil Engineering of the University of Montenegro (UCG).
The most successful organized campaign, it was said, was carried out by the NGO Society of Voluntary Blood Donors "Radivoj Prima" from Budva.
When it comes to media promotion last year, the award went to Radio-Television Podgorica journalist Nikola Radović. The award for professional contribution was presented to professor and doctor Nela Eraković. The award was also presented to the companies Jugopetrol and Idea, as well as to Podgorica resident Mirjana Vulević and the Association of Voluntary Donors from Gacko.
The Director of the Blood Transfusion Institute, Marina Sekulić, said during the ceremony that blood is a unique medicine of human origin:
"You are not just blood donors, you are one of the most important pillars of the healthcare system and the hope of patients."
She thanked the platelet donors, adding that their humanity was inspiring.
The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) office in Montenegro, Mina Brajović, stated that "an act of kindness is never in vain."
"We are here today because of such acts of kindness – quiet, selfless and often invisible..."
She reminded that no technology can replace blood, emphasizing that donors donate their time, but also hope.
"Every donation is much more than a medical procedure. It is an expression of our shared humanity... Today I want to especially highlight Montenegro's progress, which has been achieved thanks to the dedication of blood donors, healthcare workers... The share of voluntary donors has increased to 48 percent," said Brajović.
Safe blood, she said, saves lives, adding that one donation "can help save as many as three lives."
"That's why voluntary blood donation represents one of the most beautiful examples of social solidarity," Brajović said.
She said that this year's message carries a very important dimension - safe blood saves lives thanks to science.
"Science is present in every step of the transfusion chain... It ensures that blood is safe, effective and accessible. It builds citizens' trust in institutions... Science, no matter how advanced, cannot produce what only man can."
She called on young people to become part of the "chain of life", and stressed that each new donation increases the chance that blood will be available "when it is needed most".
Solidarity, Brajović pointed out, is not a value of the past, but the foundation of the future:
"On behalf of the World Health Organization (WHO), thank you for your courage, humanity and a drop of humanity."
Anđela Vukčević, a representative of the Transfusion Institute, said that this day is dedicated to people who selflessly save lives and instill hope in "those who need it most." She emphasized that it is not just a day of gratitude, but that they are also here to remind the public how important blood donation is.
The award ceremony was also attended by Minister of Health Vojislav Šimun.
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