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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service (BTS) appeals to the public to continue blood donation whilst enjoying the Christmas and New Year holidays. There are still many patients who need blood urgently for transfusion treatment and are desperately waiting for blood donors. In view of the increasing demand for type A and type AB blood lately, the BTS appeals to those who are type A or AB blood group to make a donation as soon as possible.
To express appreciation, donors who give blood between December 20, 2008, and January 4, 2009, will be presented with a ¡§mini calendar memo book¡¨ and a ¡§Q-blood donation bookmark¡¨ (see photo attached), while stocks last.
Our blood donor centres have been specially decorated for Christmas ¡V all are welcome to bring their loved ones to enjoy the festive atmosphere. Santa Claus may be there too!
Healthy persons aged 16 to 65, weighing over 41kg, are eligible to be blood donors. Male and female donors aged 18 or above can give blood every three months and four months, respectively. Youths aged between 16 and 17 can donate blood every six months.
For service hours of BTS¡¦s blood donor centres during the Christmas and New Year period, the public can call the BTS hotline on 2710 1234 or visit its website (www.ha.org.hk/rcbts).
To make this a meaningful holiday, the BTS sincerely invites you to donate blood together with your family and friends this Christmas and New Year!
Ends/Thursday, December 18, 2008
Issued at HKT 15:31
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