After finishing in second place in 2017, our students are back in full force this year and took first place in the PlasmaCup, an intercollegiate challenge organized by the EFS to raise awareness about 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 competition
Every year, the PlasmaCup is organized by the EFS (French Blood Establishment) in several university towns across France. What is the goal of this challenge? To raise awareness among as many students as possible about the importance of plasma donation.
In Montpellier, the Maison du Don is the place to go. Located in the Euromédecine neighborhood 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 set up so that each student donor could indicate their home institution. Each donation earned the institution 1 point.
The School of Medicine, winner in the Grandes Écoles category!
With a total of 17 donations, the Faculty of Medicine has taken the top spot in the “Grandes Écoles” category. This ranking is a source of great pride for Esteban, Pauline, and Carlota, who serve as President and Vice Presidents of the ACM’s ISS (Health and Social Innovation)division, respectively. “The EFS Solidarity Trophy will join the 2017 one in the student union office!” says Esteban. In fact, the ACM had previously coordinated the Faculty of Medicine’s participation as well. That year, we took second place.
To reward our students, Emilie Moral, the EFS’s promotions coordinator, presented the trophy to Esteban on Friday, February 4, along with tickets to an escape room, tickets to the MHR vs. Stade Français rugby match, and other goodies. “The prizes will be redistributed to the donors,” insists Carlota.
Plasma Donation: One Hour to Save Lives—A Painless and Informative Experience for Healthcare Students
Esteban and Carlota wanted 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 went through the donation process, which is essentially like donating blood, except for the machine that separates the blood from the plasma,” explains Carlota.
“As a healthcare student, I found the process really interesting. Compared to a typical blood donation, you spend much more time interacting with the healthcare professionals overseeing the donation, and it’s a great opportunity to talk with them. The equipment used is also impressive. It really helps tie things back to what we’re learning in class,” says Esteban.
When asked if the donation was tiring, Carlota is quick to reassure: “Not at all! Unlike blood donation, the red blood cells are transfused back into us. There’s no anemia, so there’s no fatigue.”
PlasmaCup 2022: The Faculty will be out in full force!
With all this in mind, there’s no reason to be afraid of donating plasma! Emilie Moral tells us that the PlasmaCup will return in the fall of 2022.
“The ACM will be back again!” says Esteban. But that’s not all: The Plasma Cup is open to all members of the university community. So we’re counting on our students, as well as faculty and staff, to contribute to the 2022 challenge! Stay tuned for more updates 🙂
Focus: Where and how can you donate blood, plasma, or platelets in Montpellier?
In addition to the blood 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 : Parc Euromédecine, 392 Av. du Professeur Jean Louis Viala (Parc Euromédecine)
- Directions : Tram 1 (Euromédecine)
- Hours :
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- Monday / Thursday: 11:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
- Tuesday / Wednesday / Friday: 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
- First and third Saturday of the month: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
