As many as 310,130 units of blood have been mobilized for the Hanoi Blood Association in the past five years [2019-2024], with the number of volunteer donors reaching 99%, according to the National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion (NIHBT).

Dr. Nguyen Ha Thanh, Director of the NIHBT, said the Hanoi Blood Association has always stood by the institute to ensure a safe blood source.

"I was impressed by the image of volunteers who are always enthusiastic and passionate about promoting voluntary blood donation regardless of time, weather, sunshine, rain, and distance. These activities contribute to building good character and a positive lifestyle for young people," Thanh said.

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

Voluntary blood donation has developed in both quality and quantity in the 2019-2024 period, ensuring the emergency and treatment needs of patients. "Hanoi Blood Association has actively invited people with blood types O and A to donate blood and is a pioneer in joining hands to overcome anemia at all times," Thanh said.

He said the NIHBT needs 1200-1500 units of blood every day for more than 120 hospitals in Hanoi. However, the shortage of blood types A and O is at its peak and is expected to continue until the end of 2024.

"To cope with this situation, the institute organized many blood donation programs. More than 3,000 messages have been sent to blood type A donors to collect more blood per day," said the director.

The Hanoi Blood Association has coordinated with the NIHBT to hold 27 major blood donation events, such as Xuan Hong Festival, where 45,320 units of blood were donated, Red Drops of Gratitude (18,177 units of blood), Volunteer Heart (15,683 units of blood), Summer of Kindness (10,183 units of blood), and others.

The association also coordinated with the districts of Cau Giay, Thanh Xuan, Bac Tu Liem, and Gia Lam to call for blood donations, and they received more than 30,000 units of blood.

In a gratitude gesture, the National Steering Committee for Voluntary Blood Donation held on June 15 a ceremony in Hanoi to honor 100 outstanding blood donors in 2024.

This is the 16th year the event has been held since the Prime Minister decided to establish the committee in 2008. More than 1,600 donors have been honored. The 100 honorees have donated a total of 4,470 units of blood. Two of them have donated blood more than 100 times.