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Attract more blood donors through good actions
Although around one third of Germans could donate blood, only three percent do so. Again and again, bottlenecks are reported and it is pointed out that blood donations can save lives. For World Blood Donor Day actions are now more donors lure.
Huge demand
For years it has been reported that in Germany too little blood is donated. In some phases, such as during holidays or a flu epidemic, there are even regional bottlenecks and the stable supply of blood products is endangered. Despite various campaigns, the willingness to donate is still limited, the need is enormous. As news agency dpa reports, many institutions are trying to attract new donors on World Blood Donor Day on 14 June.
Nurse and patient taking blood. Image: Gina Sanders / fotolia.com Advertise among colleagues for blood donations
It is reported about Andreas Kramer, whom it touches when he sees the blood donation bus of the German Red Cross (DRK) on Alexanderplatz in Berlin: "For years I donated blood during my lunch breaks. Unfortunately, it has not been possible since an illness three years ago, "explained the bank employee. "After 50 donations, I suddenly stood as a recipient on the other side," said the 49-year-old. According to the information, a plasma donation helped him to regain his health. Although he is no longer allowed to work, he has been promoting blood donations ever since.
One third could donate blood - three percent do it
Especially around the World Blood Donor Day, the DRC is trying to mobilize new donors with numerous actions. Among other things, together with football professionals of the Bundesliga with the current campaign "courage donation". Among others, Alexander Meier of Eintracht Frankfurt, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar of Schalke 04 and Lewis Holtby of Hamburger SV take part. In Germany, only a few people donate blood: "33 percent could, but on average, only do it three percent," said the spokeswoman for the DRK blood donation North-East, Kerstin Schweiger. Although the need for stored blood can still be met, demographic change will increase demand in the coming decades. "As people grow older, more and more blood is needed for medical care," says Schweiger.
Demographic development blame for the decline
Blood donors must be healthy and at least 18 years old. Before taking the blood, among other things, the blood pressure and the pulse of the donor are measured by a doctor. If not known, the blood type will be determined. Within one year, healthy men may donate blood up to six times, and women up to four times. There must be at least eight weeks between each donation. Although you can donate blood to old age, after the 72nd birthday is over. "And with the young people we now feel the birth bite of the early 1990s. There are far fewer 18-year-olds than two years ago, "said Schweiger. Therefore, the mass of non-donors among 18- to 72-year-olds is a buffer that needs to be mobilized. Most of the needs in Germany are covered by the DRC blood transfusion services. But clinics and private providers collect blood. In the DRK alone, 3.7 million whole-blood donations were collected last year - from around 4.3 million donations nationwide. In 2011, according to the Paul Ehrlich Institute, there were still about 4.9 million. The main cause of the decline is seen by Schweiger in the demographic development. In addition, the advent is also usually in summer and around the Christmas holiday seasonal decline. However, the canned foods, which are needed in particular for cancer patients, accident victims, organ transplant, but also unborn in the womb, have never gone completely.
Some donors are former recipients
According to Schweiger, the DRC does not have a typical permanent donor: "The donors come from all age groups and all social classes". Often they are driven by experiences as recipients or by a relationship to people who depend on donations. This also applies to the Berlin Andreas Schlegel. The 54-year-old explained: "The former partner of my partner died of cancer five years ago. He was dependent on blood donations during the therapy. "He and his partner have been making regular donations since then. It does not bother him that there is no financial compensation for the appointment, which lasts about 40 minutes in total: "It does not hurt and is a good thing. I do not care about the money. "
Financial compensation for private providers
For some donors, such as the native of Cottbus physician assistant Ramona Böhm the financial aspect already plays a role. In view of the high cost of living and low wages, she would rather receive money as compensation than a buffet, as is offered by DRC blood transfusion services. Therefore, she prefers the Haema AG, according to own data largest private offerer. "The donation of blood, blood plasma or other blood components in Germany is basically voluntary and free of charge, even with the Haema," said spokesman Jan Noack. However, the service uses the legally regulated possibility to pay an expense allowance. 20 euros give it for a full blood donation. Noack emphasized that everyone can decide what he does with the money. "Unlike the DRC, we are open to the idea that we are a pharmaceutical company and manufacture a finished medicinal product. There is a market for the product and also a price. "(Ad)