Massive youth participation in Hanoi's summer blood drive

With the theme "Give Blood and Give Now", this summer's blood donation campaign will focus on emergency blood donation, according to Nguyen Anh Quan, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi Youth Blood Donation Association.

"It aims to strengthen the emergency preparedness of health services in the community by encouraging people to donate blood and involving authorities in the effective management of blood donation programs," Quan told The Hanoi Times, adding that the association is running a strong communication campaign on social networks with the participation of 3,000 volunteers.

The voluntary blood donation movement also saw innovation and creativity in the approach and execution of campaigns. Technology, social media, and other media channels have helped to spread the message and encourage widespread public participation.

"Blood donation events have become more professional and innovative, with massive participation from people," Quan emphasized. 

Blood donation at the National Institute of Haematology and Blood Transfusion in Hanoi. Photo: Ngoc Tu/The Hanoi Times

He paid tribute to the blood donors who have helped improve the treatment of millions of people, especially those on the verge of death. "Donors are young people and people from all walks of life," Quan said.

Dao Ngoc Trieu, Chairman of the Hanoi Red Cross Society, called blood donors heroes. "The power and value of voluntary blood donation has been multiplied by the love, kindness, and dedication of millions of Vietnamese people. The blood donation movement continued to be widely carried out by the Hanoi Red Cross Society, agencies, and mass organizations, which received about 280,000 units of blood per year, 99% of which came from voluntary donors," Trieu said.

He urged the community to continue to donate blood to help ensure blood supplies for emergency and hospital care.

In Ba Dinh District, Tran Thi Van Anh, Chairwoman of the district's Red Cross, said that in addition to the donor center at 78 Nguyen Truong To Street, they also organize a number of bloodmobiles.

"Typically, the bloodmobile in Kim Ma Ward saw hundreds of people of all ages donating, receiving nearly 200 units, while the other in Truc Bach Ward collected more than 100 units," Van Anh told The Hanoi Times. 

People of Lieu Giai Ward (Ba Dinh District) donate blood on June 1, 2024. Photo: Hanoimoi

Before this year's summer vacation, many colleges and universities in Hanoi held blood donation events to help replenish blood reserves. Typically, the Foreign Trade University with the program "Happy Day" conveys the message: "Young people's blood can bring love and hope of life to patients," attracting thousands of students.

Meanwhile, the 7th "Medical Footprints" program of the Hanoi Medical University, which is considered a cultural event, attracted hundreds of young people.

"I donate blood at least twice a year, usually during Lunar New Year and summer vacation. After each blood donation, I feel my life is more meaningful," said Nguyen Thi Hong Anh, a student at Hanoi Medical University.

In addition, the young soldiers also bring out the role of youth in the voluntary blood donation movement through the "Summer Donor Soldier" model organized by the Hanoi Youth Blood Donation Association.

"In June and July, we aim to donate at least 10,000 units of blood to the charity blood bank in Hanoi," said Nguyen Anh Quan, Vice Chairman of the association.