The Spanish Federation of Blood Donors in Spain is honoring The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) for its positive contribution to improve people’s lives through the donation of blood. This is the second time the Church has been awarded the National Merit in Blood Donation for its involvement, commitment and generosity to save lives. The first time was in 1996.
Mormon Helping Hands has been behind the Church’s efforts to promote and organize blood donations, which it did during last year’s National Day of Service.
Across Spain, more than 2,200 units of blood were collected through the efforts of 2,982 Mormon Helping Hands volunteers who donated 5,123 hours of service on 11 June 2011.
According to a letter from the Spanish Federation of Blood Donors, the decision to honor the Church again was unanimous. A ceremony to award the Church the National Merit in Blood Donation will take place 14 June 2012 in Madrid at the Ministry of Health, on the International Day of Blood Donation.
Read more about this honor in Spanish in Sala de Prensa, Spain's Mormon Newsroom website.