Mexico Launches Second National Children's Drawing Contest on Blood Donation

With the aim of strengthening the culture of voluntary and altruistic blood donation from an early age, the Ministry of Health, through the Undersecretariat for Health and Population Well-being Policies and the National Blood Transfusion Center (CNTS), in coordination with the Ministry of Public Education (SEP), continues to accept applications for the Second National Children's Drawing Contest 2026 “Extend your arms for Mexico”. This initiative remains active as a public health education strategy, aimed at promoting the participation of elementary school children in spreading a message of solidarity and social awareness regarding blood donation. Drawing to save lives: childhood as an agent of change in health The contest proposes that participants reflect on the theme “What does it mean to you to donate blood?”, with the objective that, through their creativity, they convey the importance of this altruistic act. Through drawing, it is sought that the child population will contribute to generating awareness in their family and community environment, reinforcing values such as empathy, social responsibility, and health care. Open call nationwide: this is how you can participate The call for entries is open from February 23 to March 31, 2026, during which elementary school students from across the country can participate. The rules establish the creation of an original drawing by hand on a letter-sized white sheet, using free techniques such as pencil, paints, watercolors, acrylics, crayons, or chalk, which allows for broad artistic expression. The proposals will be evaluated by a jury made up of representatives of the Ministry of Health, the SEP, and specialists in the artistic field, who will consider creativity, originality, technique, and adherence to the theme. Children's talent with national impact: prizes and recognition The contest contemplates the selection of one national winner and 31 state-level winners. The results will be announced through the official channels of the CNTS, including its website and social networks. The state-level winners will receive a recognition and an art kit, and their works will be part of the CNTS's 2027 institutional calendar. The national winner will also receive a tablet. Towards April: award ceremony and continuity of an educational strategy The award ceremony is scheduled for April 27, 2026, in Mexico City, consolidating this exercise as a space for recognizing children's creativity and their contribution to public health issues. This edition continues the one held in 2022 and reinforces its role as a sustained strategy to promote health education, social participation, and the culture of voluntary blood donation in Mexico.