Blood donations urgently wanted: DRK warns of supply bottlenecks

Blood donations urgently wanted: DRK warns of supply bottlenecks

Berlin - The blood donation in Germany faces a serious challenge. The lack of available blood cannon is not only a medical problem, but is also a call to solidarity in the community. According to the German Red Cross (DRK), 15,000 blood donations are needed to ensure the care of patients every day.

causes of blood shortage

Current events such as holidays, sporting events and the holiday season have significantly affected the willingness to donate. Patric Nohe, the Federal Spokesman for the DRK blood donation services, indicates that many potential donors are distracted by leisure activities. In addition, it was not possible to create sufficient buffer reserves that would be necessary due to the short shelf life of blood products. "Everything that comes in goes out again," explains Nohe. This indicates that the existing blood pans are quickly used up, which conjures up a critical situation.

consequences for patient care

The consequences of this scarcity are directly noticeable: some planned operations had to be postponed in particularly affected regions such as North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland and Lower Saxony. This shows how closely the blood supply is linked to the operations and medical care. Despite the alarming situation, Nohe explains that no panic reactions are necessary when visiting a hospital: "We have no nationwide emergency with blood preparations." Nevertheless, it is undeniable that stabilizing the blood reserves is urgently necessary.

The call for blood donation

To improve the situation, the DRK appeals to the population to participate in blood donation actions. Everyone could help a lot with two blood donations per year. Committed communication and logistical planning are necessary to win new donors. Younger people in particular are addressed because a large part of the current donors come from the BabyBoomer generation, who can often no longer donate for health reasons.

the community as a solution

It is important to emphasize that blood cannot be made artificially. The DRK emphasizes that every donation counts. An increase in engagement in the community could help overcome the crisis. If the willingness to donate does not improve, further shifts of planned medical interventions can be expected. "Without donations, this could end in a catastrophe," warns Nohe.

The call to donation is more than a request. It is a call to the community, empathy and a collective responsibility that ensures that in emergency situations anyone who needs help can be helped quickly and effectively.