The Hellenic Red Cross (HRC), with a longstanding tradition and legacy in organising voluntary blood donation drives in Greece, has been operationally reinforced with a state-of-the-art Mobile Blood Donation Unit, donated by the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation. The handover ceremony of the vehicle took place on Monday, 28 July 2025, in the outdoor area of the Zappeion Megaron. The event featured a symbolic inaugural blood donation at the HRC’s new Mobile Unit, in the presence of the President of the HRC, Dr. Antonios Avgerinos; the Foundation’s representative, Ms. Natalia Andronikou, Programmes & Grants Officer; as well as numerous volunteers from all HRC Divisions.

The HRC’s Mobile Blood Donation Unit fills a critical operational gap by enabling the prompt and safe collection of blood outside hospital settings, in line with World Health Organisation guidelines — particularly in times of emergency. This state-of-the-art vehicle is fully equipped with all required medical and technical specifications, and is designed to reach even the most remote and hard-to-access areas of Greece, ensuring flexibility, operational readiness, and improved access for those wishing to donate blood.

The HRC’s extensive experience and expertise in the field of voluntary blood donation has proven particularly valuable in times of crisis — most notably during the COVID-19 pandemic, when dozens of mobile blood drives were organized to meet urgent hospital needs. The organization also places special emphasis on the most challenging periods of the yea — Christmas, Easter, and the summer months—when blood reserves tend to drop significantly.

Dr. Antonios Avgerinos, President of the Hellenic Red Cross, noted:

This generous donation by the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation stands as a symbol of life, social contribution and solidarity. This significant contribution—an expression of recognition and appreciation for the work of the Hellenic Red Cross in the field of voluntary blood donation—meaningfully strengthens our efforts by ensuring direct access to life-saving services and by spreading the message of voluntary blood donation to every corner of the country. The Mobile Blood Donation Unit reinforces the role of the HRC as a key pillar of the national drive for blood self-sufficiency, undertaking even the most demanding missions in remote and hard-to-reach areas. It is a "vehicle of hope" that will travel across Greece, carrying the message of voluntary blood donation and human compassion.