Give blood to save lives during Christmas and New Year holidays

Give blood to save lives during Christmas and New Year holidays

The Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service (BTS) today (December 17) appealed to members of the public to donate blood during the Christmas and New Year holidays. With the demand for blood will keep increasing at the approach of winter surge, blood inventories have been depleting to very low levels. The inventories have to be duly replenished to maintain a stable blood supply for patients in need.  Members of the public are also encouraged to register for bone marrow donation to give patients the blessing of reunion.

Just before the Christmas and New Year Holiday, Grace came to hospital for a blood transfusion. Due to a serious impairment in haemoglobin production, Grace requires lifelong regular blood transfusions since childhood. Grace appreciates the effort of donors, ‘My life was given by countless generous blood donors. Thanks to every blood donor who are willing to “get a stitch” to sustain patients’ life.” Grace is a social worker. She shares her passion empowered by the hearty blood received from numerous donors to those who needed a helping hand.

Most BTS donor centres will maintain service during the Christmas and New Year holidays. As a token of thanks, BTS has prepared a festive tote bag for blood donors who come forward to give blood during December 17-27 at a donor centre or donation vehicle. Please refer to the attached promotional poster for details.

Anyone aged between 16 and 65 (donation is possible up to the age of 75 if predetermined conditions are met), weighs 41 kilograms or above and is in good health is eligible to give blood. To prevent crowds from gathering and long waiting times at the donor centres, donors are advised to make appointments by calling the BTS' donor centres or via the "HK Blood" mobile app. For details, please visit https://www5.ha.org.hk/rcbts/mobile-app.

Donate Blood Now!