04.09.2026 22:20
Burcu Kösem, the Istanbul Provincial Director of the Turkish Red Crescent, made important statements about aid activities, disaster preparedness, and blood stocks in Istanbul during a program she attended on Haberler.com. Emphasizing that "Blood is not an emergency, but a continuous need," Kösem drew attention to the importance of regular blood donation, saying, "If you continue to be blood donors, we will never see emergency calls."
Burcu Kösem, the Istanbul Provincial Head of the Turkish Red Crescent, made important statements about the Red Crescent's aid activities, volunteer work, disaster management, and blood donation during a program she attended on Haberler.com. Emphasizing that the Red Crescent is in the field not only during disaster periods but 365 days a year, Kösem said, "Delivering goodness is very valuable, but making it sustainable is even more valuable."
"THE RED CRESCENT IS THE INSTITUTIONALIZED FORM OF COMPASSION"
Noting that the Red Crescent is a deeply rooted institution with a history of 158 years, Kösem stated that when they took office in Istanbul, their priority was to transform delivering goodness to more people into a sustainable system.
Kösem described the Red Crescent as "the institutionalized form of compassion" and expressed that they strive to bring those in need and donors together within an accurate and transparent system.
"GOODNESS IS ACTUALLY A SEAT BELT"
Kösem said that goodness touches not only the person receiving aid but also the person giving it, adding, "Goodness is actually a seat belt. When you do good for someone else, you are actually protecting yourself the most."
Kösem also explained that the Red Crescent's Disability-Inclusive Organization carries out significant work, noting that individuals with disabilities take part in the field not only as aid recipients but also as volunteers who deliver help to others.
RED CRESCENT MOBILIZATION IN 39 DISTRICTS
Also referring to the working system in Istanbul, Kösem said that there are active district branch presidencies in all 39 districts and that these structures carry out work with women's, youth, and disability-inclusive organizations.
Stating that the primary duty of the provincial headquarters is coordination, Kösem said, "When you establish accurate coordination, when you build that ecosystem together with your teams and volunteers, there is actually nothing you cannot accomplish."
"REST ASSURED": BLOOD STOCKS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION
Responding to the question of whether the Red Crescent's blood stocks would be sufficient in a possible disaster, Kösem said, "Rest assured."
Kösem stated that the Red Crescent's blood stocks are in their best condition ever and that this is possible through the continuation of regular blood donations.
Kösem noted that last year, one out of every five units of blood collected in Turkey was donated in Istanbul, and reported that Turkey ranks third in the world with 3 million 65 thousand units of blood donations, with 562 thousand units of this coming from Istanbul.
"BLOOD IS NOT AN EMERGENCY, BUT A CONTINUOUS NEED"
Kösem emphasized that blood donation should not only come to the forefront during emergencies, saying, "Blood is not an emergency but a continuous need."
Explaining that teams are in constant coordination to regularly meet the blood need in Istanbul, Kösem stated that on the Anatolian side last month, only 8 emergency calls came in, while over 200 hospitals across Istanbul were supplied with blood.
Kösem also called on citizens who encounter emergency blood requests in hospitals to check whether the request has been communicated to the Red Crescent. She noted that if regular blood donation continues, there will be no problems with stocks.
At the end of the program, Kösem made another call to all Istanbul residents for blood donation:
"I ask all Istanbul residents once again: We kindly request that you, your family, and your circle become regular blood donors, not forgetting that it is not an emergency but a continuous need."
Kösem emphasized the importance of regular donation, saying, "If you continue to be blood donors, we will never see emergency calls."
"THE RED CRESCENT MANAGES THE RISK BEFORE THE DISASTER, NOT THE MOMENT OF THE DISASTER"
Kösem noted that the Red Crescent is not only an institution that responds after disasters but also carries out work aimed at risks before disasters.
Stating that they provide first aid, disaster awareness, and disaster risk reduction training in schools, Kösem drew attention to the importance of preparing society for disasters.
HOT MEALS ARE DELIVERED TO 15 THOUSAND PEOPLE
Also touching on the soup kitchen activities in Istanbul, Kösem said they deliver hot meals to approximately 15 thousand people by knocking on their doors.
However, Kösem stated that volunteers do not only deliver food, explaining that they ask about the well-being of those in need and determine whether they have other needs.
"When we knock on that door, our volunteers actually become nourishment not only for their home but also for their souls," Kösem said, emphasizing the importance of human contact.
FREE "BOUTIQUE" SUPPORT FOR THOSE IN NEED
Kösem also mentioned the Red Crescent's boutique application for those in need. Stating that families in need can obtain new and labeled clothing free of charge from these centers, Kösem said that individuals can choose and try on clothes according to their own size and taste.
She also reported that based on the social assessment results, those in need can receive food packages, market cards, and support for rent, cleaning, and health.
FIRST AID TRAINING FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Also touching on the Red Crescent's work for children and youth, Kösem stated that they organize first aid, disaster awareness, and disaster risk reduction trainings in schools.
Kösem drew attention to the importance of raising awareness among children about initial response at an early age, adding that these trainings are also provided free of charge.
HOT MEALS FOR 35 THOUSAND PEOPLE EVERY DAY IN GAZA
Stating that humanitarian aid efforts in Gaza also continue, Kösem said the Turkish Red Crescent delivers hot meals to approximately 35 thousand war victims in the region every day.
Kösem noted that they also provide support for access to clean water and expressed that they provide support, in coordination with AFAD and the Ministry of Interior, for the placement of Gazan war victim families living in Istanbul into homes.
"THOSE WHO WANT TO VOLUNTEER CAN REGISTER"
Kösem said that citizens who want to become Red Crescent volunteers can register through the "Volunteer On" platform (Gönüllü Ol).
Stating that volunteers do not have to perform any specific duty, Kösem explained that individuals can voluntarily apply for available roles according to their skills and suitability.
"IN FACT, DONATION IS A SMILE"
Kösem stated that being a donor does not only mean providing financial support, saying, "True donation is a smile, touching a person, and asking about their well-being."
Kösem also emphasized that transparency is essential in the Red Crescent's work, stating that donors can track where their aid is used and that they provide reports on this matter.
"DO NOT LEAVE THIS CIRCLE OF GOODNESS"
Kösem stated that Red Crescent activities in Istanbul grow with volunteers and donors, emphasizing that goodness must be made sustainable.
"Do not leave this circle of goodness,"This circle of kindness grows stronger with you all. Today I am here, tomorrow someone else will be in this seat, and that is how it should be. Kindness must grow even more as it passes from hand to hand,” said Kösem, stating that they will continue their efforts to ensure the Red Crescent continues on its path as a strong institution of kindness.
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