DH gives full support to blood donation activity and calls on public to donate blood to save lives during upcoming long holidays (with photos)

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     The Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam, today (April 17) led colleagues of the Department of Health (DH) to give full support to the Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service (BTS) and called on the public to donate blood during the Easter long holidays to help people in need.

     "With an ageing population in Hong Kong and increasing demand for medical services, the demand for blood is also rising. Blood collection efforts are often affected by unforeseen factors, such as inclement weather, influenza season and the public's travel habits during long holidays, which may lead to a drop in the public's willingness to donate blood and in the number of blood donations. In view of this, the DH has decided to support the BTS before the Easter holidays, hoping that the public will take advantage of the holidays to participate in blood donation activities and demonstrate selfless love, thus providing local hospitals with a stable and safe blood supply for clinical transfusion and treatment purposes," Dr Lam said.

     During the visit of the BTS mobile blood donation team to the DH headquarters today, a total of 24 DH staff members participated in the blood donation drive and donated 24 units of blood.

     "Whole blood collected can be processed into components to help three to four patients. At the same time, blood donation is good for both physical and mental health. Apart from aiding metabolism, overseas studies have shown that people who donate blood regularly tend to feel happier and healthier. As the saying goes, it is a blessing to donate. Don't hesitate to donate blood and save more lives together," Dr Lam added.

     The BTS has set up a number of blood donor centres throughout Hong Kong, and mobile blood donation teams and mobile blood donation vehicles visit different districts regularly to facilitate blood donation by the public. During the Easter holidays, most blood donor centres will be open as usual. To minimise waiting time, members of the public are advised to call the blood donor centres or make an appointment for blood donation through the mobile application "HK Blood". For more information about the addresses and opening hours of the blood donor centres, the public may visit the BTS's website.

Ends/Thursday, April 17, 2025
Issued at HKT 18:45

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The Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam (centre), and the Controller of Regulatory Affairs, Dr Amy Chiu (left), today (April 17) led colleagues of the Department of Health to give full support to the Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service and called on the public to donate blood during the Easter long holidays to help people in need.

The Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam (second right), and the Controller of Regulatory Affairs, Dr Amy Chiu (first right), today (April 17) led colleagues of the Department of Health to give full support to the Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service and called on the public to donate blood during the Easter long holidays to help people in need.