Turkish Red Crescent Blood Donation and Organ Transplant Awareness Training

In cooperation with our Health and Culture Community, the Vocational School of Health Services organized the “Turkish Red Crescent Blood Donation and Organ Transplant Awareness Training” event on October 23, 2025, at the Şehit Ömer HALİSDEMİR Conference Hall.

Delivering the opening speech, Prof. Dr. Aytaç GÜDER, Director of SHMYO, emphasized that while living donor rates in Türkiye are high, cadaveric organ donation rates remain comparatively low. “Since the concept of brain death is not well known in society, cadaveric donations are still below desired levels. Creating awareness on this issue is our common responsibility,” he stated. Prof. Dr. GÜDER also underlined that donating blood and stem cells is not only a medical act but also a humanitarian duty, thanking the academicians and students who contributed to the event.

Adem BUĞDAYLI, Specialist of the Turkish Red Crescent Eastern Black Sea Stem Cell Donor Unit, gave a presentation on the importance of blood and stem cell donation, the donor recruitment process, and the national TÜRKÖK Project. He explained that stem cell transplantation offers hope in treating diseases such as leukemia, lymphomas, hereditary anemias, immune deficiencies, and various metabolic disorders.

In the second session, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bilge OLGUN KELEŞ and Nurse Bahar GÜNEYSU delivered a training on “Brain Death, Organ Transplantation and Donation.” They discussed the difference between brain death and a vegetative state, explained the ethical, medical, and psychological aspects of the donation process, and shared real-life stories highlighting the life-saving importance of organ transplantation.

The event concluded with the presentation of certificates of appreciation and a commemorative group photo. Afterwards, students actively participated in the blood and stem cell donation activities held in front of the Faculty of Science & Letters and Faculty of Economics & Administrative Sciences.

We sincerely thank Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sevim Çiftçi YEGİN, Head of the Department of Health Care Services, our Health and Culture Community, Red Crescent representatives, and all academic, administrative staff, and students who contributed to the success of this meaningful event.