#Proudofourstudents | Plasma Cup 2021: First place for the Faculty of Medicine!
After coming second in 2017, our students came back strong this year and took first place in the PlasmaCup, an inter-school challenge organized by the EFS to raise awareness of the importance of plasma donation. Here's a look back at the challenge and the experience of our student coordinators for the Faculty of Medicine, Esteban, Pauline, and Carlota, members of the ACM association.
The PlasmaCup, an inter-school challenge
Every year, the PlasmaCup is organized by the EFS (French Blood Establishment) in several university towns in France. The aim of this challenge? To raise awareness among as many students as possible about the importance of plasma donation.
In Montpellier, everything happens at the Maison du Don. Located in the Euromédecine district and accessible by tram (line 1), the Maison du Don welcomes donors of blood, plasma, and platelets.
As part of the PlasmaCup, a box was placed there so that each student donor could write down their school. Each donation earned the school 1 point.
The Faculty of Medicine, champion in the Grandes Écoles category!
With a total of 17 donations, the Faculty of Medicine is now at the top of the rankings in the "Grandes Écoles" category. This ranking is a source of great pride for Esteban, Pauline, and Carlota, respectively President and Vice-Presidents of ISS (Health and Social Innovation) at ACM. "The EFS Solidarity Trophy will join the 2017 trophy in the student union office!" says Esteban. In fact, the ACM had also previously coordinated the Faculty of Medicine's participation. That year, we came in second place.
To reward our students, Emilie Moral, promotion manager at EFS, presented Esteban with the trophy on Friday, February 4, as well as tickets to an escape game, tickets to the MHR/Stade Français rugby match, and other goodies. "The winnings will be redistributed to the donors," insists Carlota.
Plasma donation, 1 hour to save lives: a painless and educational experience for health students
Esteban and Carlota were keen to share their experience with us. “After confirming my participation in the PlasmaCup by placing my ballot in the box, I met with the EFS doctor to verify that I was eligible to donate plasma. Then, for about 45 minutes, I was taken care of for the donation, which is similar to donating blood, except for the machine that separates the blood and plasma," explains Carlota.
“As a health student, I found the care provided really interesting. Compared to a traditional blood donation, you stay in contact with the healthcare professionals managing the donation for much longer, which gives you a real opportunity to talk to them. The equipment used is also impressive. It helps us make the connection with what we learn in class,” says Esteban.
When asked if donating was tiring, Carlota is keen to reassure us: "Not at all! Unlike donating blood, the red blood cells are transfused back to us. There is no anemia and therefore no fatigue."
PlasmaCup 2022: the Faculty will be there in force!
With all this information, there's no reason to be afraid of donating plasma! Emilie Moral informs us that the PlasmaCup will be held again in the fall of 2022.
“The ACM will be there again!”” says Esteban. But that's not all: the Plasma Cup is open to all members of the faculty community. So we're counting on our students, as well as our teachers and staff, to contribute to the 2022 challenge! To do so, stay connected 🙂
Focus: Where and how to donate blood/plasma/platelets in Montpellier?
In addition to blood donation drives organized on our campuses by student associations (in Montpellier by the ACM in October, February, and April), you can donate blood, plasma, or platelets at the Maison du Don in Montpellier:
- Address : Euromédecine Park, 392 Av. du Professeur Jean Louis Viala (Euromédecine Park)
- Access : Tram 1 (Euromédecine)
- Opening hours :
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- Monday/Thursday: 11:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
- Tuesday / Wednesday / Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- First and third Saturday of the month: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
