"Every day is a blood donation day!"

The motto of this year's World Blood Donation Day of the World Health Organization WHO is: "What can you do? Donate blood. Donate now. Donate regularly." Carmen Jux, ERGO's Chief Medical Officer, supports this appeal to everyone, especially now in times of the Corona pandemic.

Why are blood donations so important even now?
Every day, around 15,000 blood donations are needed in Germany alone. Many people have the idea that most blood donations are needed for accident victims. However, many people with different clinical pictures need regular blood transfusions for the rest of their lives in order to lead a normal life, for example cancer patients undergoing chemo- or radiation therapy. Blood transfusions reduce the side effects. Modern transfusion medicine is not possible without people who donate blood.

It is a fact that fewer people currently donate blood. than usual. This is also due to the fact that people do not want to expose themselves to additional risks of infection or that individual providers do not carry out the blood donation. At ERGO, however, we were recently able to offer blood donations in Hamburg and Cologne. By the way: a large proportion of citizens are dependent on a blood donation at least once in their lives.

Blood donors, especially potential first-time donors, are uncertain about the spread of the coronavirus. Is donating blood safe?
Yes. The DRK blood donation services are in close contact with the responsible authorities. They have adapted the admission regulations for blood donation and the procedures for on-site appointments to the special situation in the corona pandemic. This means a very high level of protection for both donors and recipients. And people with flu-like infections or cold symptoms have not been and will not be admitted.

Donating blood is an important social commitment, but it is also good for the health of the blood donor. Please explain.
Very simple: When you go to donate blood, you first have contact with a doctor. Your blood pressure is measured, your blood is checked and your blood group is determined. Knowing your blood group is important, for example if you are the victim of an accident and need to act quickly. Furthermore, if you donate blood regularly, your blood pressure can be lowered.

Who can become a blood donor?
In principle, anyone aged 18 or older can donate blood. And for the first donation you have to be under 65 years old. I hope that many people will overcome their shyness and donate blood. Seize World Blood Donation Day as an opportunity to make a blood donation appointment at your city of residence and donate blood! World Blood Donation Day is important, and the same is valid for it as for Mother's Day: Every day is a blood donation day, because in Germany alone, 15,000 blood donations are needed every day for sick people. And because every one of us may find ourselves in the situation of urgently needing a blood donation. Donate blood!

Interview by Monika Stobrawe