Tell us about Novikombank's corporate voluntary blood donation program?
The corporate program at the bank appeared more than six years ago after the Russian Engineering Union offered us to hold a one-time blood donation action. Novikombank is the curator of the Voronezh regional branch of SoyuzMash of Russia. By the way, on a national scale, the program for the development of mass voluntary donation covers more than a thousand industrial enterprises and organizations. Many of our employees responded to the initiative of SoyuzMash. In order to make the campaign on a regular basis, it was decided to launch a corporate program. Since then, Novikombank has held a Donor Day twice a year, usually in spring and autumn. The campaign took place on July 23, and the next Donor Day will be held on October 7. Our team will take an active part in it by tradition.
What were the peculiarities of the Donor Day on July 23, taking into account the situation with the coronavirus pandemic?
The main thing about, of course, is the conditions in which we all found ourselves in 2020. In the current situation, the donation is becoming especially important. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the opportunity to become a donor has become much more difficult, since for a long period of time there were restrictions on visiting public places and medical institutions. Despite the circumstances, donated blood is required every day by people with a variety of diseases, in a variety of situations. That is why we decided to hold the first Donor Day after quarantine as soon as possible.
What additional security measures were taken during the preparation and conduct of the event?
The organization’s process of such actions during a pandemic requires additional attention and preventive measures. The work with donors in this direction is similar to the work with the employees of Novikombank offices. All employees regularly take a PCR test for coronavirus infection, use personal protective equipment (masks, gloves) and antiseptic gels. Working with donors, we are dealing with people whose degree of responsibility for their own health and the health of those around them is still higher than that of most people. They closely monitor the implementation of all antiviral recommendations.
How many bank employees have participated in the corporate voluntary donation program since its implementation, and what is the proportion of permanent donors?
More than 120 employees of Novikombank have taken part in the program. About 30 employees participate in each action, of which 10-12 people are permanent donors. Due to the fact that Donor day takes place twice a year, the number of multiple donors is constantly growing.
How does the bank cooperate with the Blood Center of the Federal Medical-Biological Agency?
We have been interacting with specialists from the Blood Center of the FMBA of Russia since the very first blood donation campaign by the bank's employees. And during this time, we have formed a stable effective relationship. On Donor Day, our employees go to the Blood Center in an organized manner. Before donating blood, they undergo a mandatory medical examination, since it is very important that donors maintain their health and well-being. For this, employees undergo a preliminary examination by a therapist. The blood donation procedure takes about 15 minutes
How do you inform employees about planned events?
Two weeks before Donor Day, all employees, without exception, receive a corporate newsletter about. It contains recommendations for those who decide to donate blood, as well as a list of contraindications for participation. Three days before the event, all those who signed up receive a second letter with instructions on the diet, which must be followed before. Finally, on the eve of the blood donation day, employees receive information indicating the date, time, and location of the event.
How actively do bank employees take part in the event? What is the motivating factor for them?
Participation in the donation program is very important for the cohesive team of Novikombank. The donor movement is an important part of the corporate culture of the backbone bank of the State Corporation Rostec, which follows the highest standards in all areas of activity. First of all, the motivation for the participants of the action is the desire to help people in need and save someone's life. The most active participants in donor actions are employees working in Moscow. All donor actions are very organized and we did not have to face any difficulties. This is explained, on the one hand, by the extensive experience of the Blood Center and the readiness of SoyuzMash experts to advise and provide assistance, and on the other hand, by the understanding by all participants of the process of the importance and significance of the event.
What would you wish to donors and people, who are going to join the donor program?
I recommend everyone to try themselves as a donor at least once. The knowledge that you helped someone is priceless. And we will continue to support the donor tradition in the Bank and are always glad to see new participants in the action.