The past year has emphasized the importance of health care systems and the resources that they provide. According to the World Health Organization, “An increase of 7.8 million blood donations from voluntary unpaid donors has been reported from 2013 to 2018. In total, 79 countries collect over 90% of their blood supply from voluntary unpaid blood donors.” Earlier, on June 14, World Blood Donor Day also marked the importance of donating blood at local health facilities. Later, on July 11, YES alumni in Jordan held a blood drive because they understand the importance of having blood units available, especially for surgeries or as treatments for diseases. 

YES alumni board member Lana Talafha is a medical student, so she arranged the logistics with the blood bank. The YES alumni announced the blood drive to their friends to raise awareness about blood donations. On the day of the blood drive, 11 participants gathered at the Amideast office in Amman and went to the blood bank together. Donors included six YES alumni, including a visiting Lebanese YES alumnus, Mohammad Issa Jamal.

After the event, the participants felt happy to be part of this selfless gesture. Jacquelene Marar, a donor and friend of the YES alumni said, “When I first heard about the blood drive, I was really excited to be a part of something a bit bigger than myself.” YES alumna Mira Sharaireh shared that she was interested in seeing how blood is donated, and she was also happy to contribute since she is a medical student. 

YES alumni try to incorporate current events into their volunteering projects to make their projects especially relevant. Since health is at the forefront of global issues, this blood drive is an example of how the YES alumni show their support for the medical community in these unprecedented times. 

Lana Talafha (YES 2017-2018, Jordan, placed by AYUSA in Indianapolis, Indiana)

Mohamad Issa Jamal (YES 2007-2008, Lebanon, placed by Ayusa in Bandera, TX)

Mira Sharaireh (YES 2016-2017, Jordan, placed by AFS in Two Harbors, MN)