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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service (BTS) has launched a "Give and live to the fullest" Easter Blood Donation Action this Easter. From now until April 12, those who respond and give blood will receive a foldable magazine holder that has a blood donation message printed on it to prompt blood donors to contribute again. Easter-themed photo props are also available at all donation venues for blood donors to take pictures with.
The spokesperson for the BTS said fewer people may turn up at donor centres as more people will take holidays towards the end of this week, when the five-day Easter holiday period begins. Meanwhile, hospitals will increase their blood reserves before the long holidays to get prepared for regular blood utilisation and any sudden situations with a high blood demand. The daily blood collection needs to increase before the Easter holidays to ensure a normal blood supply. The blood inventories have remained relatively low recently. The BTS urges more members of the public to respond promptly to its appeal. A minimum of 1 100 people on average will need to come forward every day in meeting the demand through the coming two weeks. Blood donors who intend to travel overseas are asked to donate before their trips.
The service hours of donor centres during the Easter period are stated below:
- The Causeway Bay, Kwun Tong, Mongkok, Shatin, Tsuen Wan and Yuen Long Donor Centres will open from noon to 7pm from April 3 to April 7;
- The Headquarters Donor Centre will open from 9am to 5pm only on April 4 and April 6; and
- The Central District Donor Centre will be closed during the holidays.
For the addresses of donor centres, please call 2710 1234 or visit the BTS website www.ha.org.hk/rcbts .
Anyone who is aged between 16 and 60 (donation is possible up to the age of 70 if predetermined conditions are met), weighs over 41 kilograms and is in good health is eligible to give blood. Male and female adult donors aged 18 or above can donate every 75 days and every 105 days respectively. Youths aged 16 and 17 can donate every 150 days.
Ends/Monday, March 30, 2015
Issued at HKT 15:55
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