International Celebration of Blood Donors - The Dark Red Cross (DRK) seeks to recruit young blood donors in Saarland.
The German Red Cross aims to find fresh blood donors in Saarland since the older generation, most likely baby boomers, are gradually discontinuing their donations. Stephan Kupper of the DRK Blood Donor Service West explained their predicament, stating, "The donors are usually from the baby boomer era, but they're gradually leaving the system. We're not seeing enough growth in the next generation." Common reasons for frequent donors ceasing their donations include health concerns that require medication.
Additionally, there's a recent pattern – after a month filled with holidays and bridge days, blood donations in Saarland also dropped. Kupper noted their concern, expecting further shortage in the coming weeks. During this year's European Football Championship and subsequent summer holidays, there'll be fewer donors. The need for more consistent blood donors is crucial for the health service, said Kupper.
On World Blood Donation Day this Friday, the DRK intends to raise awareness about the topic, even thanking the donors with symbolic flowers at the event. Over 37,000 donors were recorded last year by the DRK Blood Donor Service, with 3,000 being new donors. This positive trend is encouraging, Kupper noted.
Health Minister Magnus Jung from Saarland, an SPD politician, echoed the call for regular blood and plasma donations on World Blood Donation Day. "Donating blood saves lives. This message is simple yet incredibly urgent," he stressed. "We all need to show solidarity and keep our hospitals functional; we're able to save lives with blood transfusions for various patients, such as accident victims, cancer patients, and heart patients. Just a single donation can help up to three individuals."
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