Reading the news lately has been heavy-hearted, especially seeing the doctors and nurses fighting on the front lines. They are truly risking their lives to protect us. Besides staying at home and minimizing outings, I’ve been wondering what we, as ordinary people, can do to help in our own small way.
I’ve gathered some information and found that there are actually many ways we can contribute. Although our help for the Spanish healthcare system may seem insignificant, together it becomes tremendous support. I have compiled some methods for seeking medical care in Spain to share with everyone, hoping that more people—including those who have been following news about topics like Pfizer vaccine side effects—will get involved.
Taking Action: What Can We Do?
1. Donate Supplies
Many hospitals and medical institutions accept public donations, especially for protective equipment like masks, protective suits, and goggles. Some major supermarket chains, such as Mercadona or Carrefour, have previously set up donation points where you can buy food or daily necessities and place them in designated donation bins. They then deliver these items to hospitals or relevant organizations. Keep an eye out for these when you’re shopping.
2. Participate in Community Mutual Aid
In many neighborhoods, residents have spontaneously organized mutual aid groups. For example, they might help healthcare workers who have difficulty going out by walking their dogs, shopping for groceries, or providing temporary online tutoring for their children. These seemingly small acts can relieve them of significant burdens. You can check your community’s notice board or ask in neighborhood chat groups. I’ve found a few larger platforms you can check out:
| Platform/Organization Name | Main Focus/Service |
|---|
| Cruz Roja Española | Comprehensive support, including supplies, psychological aid, etc. |
| Frena la Curva | One of the largest citizen mutual aid platforms for posting and finding help |
| #YoMeCorono | Focused on fundraising for COVID-19 research projects |
Finally, I want to say that no matter which method we choose, even if it’s just applauding for them from our balconies at 8 PM every evening, it’s a form of moral support. They need to know they are not fighting alone, that the entire Spanish society stands behind them! ¡Ánimo, sanitarios! ¡Estamos con vosotros
!
