World Blood Donor Day 2016 Still too few people donate blood

Only three percent of Germans donate blood
In Germany, around 15,000 blood donations are needed every day. But only about three percent of Germans are ready for a blood donation. The World Blood Donor Day on June 14 should help increase the number of regular donors.

Only three percent of Germans donate blood
Time and again organizations like the German Red Cross (DRK) are urging donations. In particular, a shortage of young blood donors is to be lamented in some regions. As the DRC announced on the occasion of the World Blood Donor Day, although 33 percent of Germans could donate blood, only three percent do it. The action day on the 14th of June takes place for the twelfth time. This year's motto is: "Blood connects us. Share life, donate blood. "Numerous institutions and organizations are promoting this day with events and campaigns for more regular blood donations.

On World Blood Day 2016, numerous institutions and organizations are calling for regular blood donations. In Germany alone, about 15,000 blood donations are needed daily. (Image: lightpoet / fotolia.com)

"Maybe even a life saved"
Federal Health Minister Hermann Gröhe (CDU) called for blood donation on the occasion of the day of action. In a press release he said: "A little spit, wait and then relax for 20 minutes. And you have helped others with your blood donation and maybe even saved a life. Because there is still no equivalent artificial replacement for blood. Help us! "According to the ministry's announcement, the medical need for donated blood in Germany remains high. Preserved blood and blood components are life-saving after serious accidents and major operations. But they are also urgently needed for the treatment of various diseases, such as malignant tumors.

Most of the donated blood for cancer patients
Barbara Baumann-Baretti, chairwoman of the Association of Independent Blood Transfusion Services (VUBD), also knows what blood is needed for. In a message from the dpa news agency, she said, "People always have the victim in their heads." However, most donor blood products (19 percent) would be needed to treat cancer patients. According to the information about 16 percent are used for the treatment of heart and gastrointestinal diseases. As the expert further explained, twelve percent are needed after accidents. In addition, patients with liver and kidney disease or anemia as well as women who have complications at birth are dependent on donations.

Almost everyone can donate
Basically every healthy person over the age of 18 years can donate blood, as long as he weighs at least 50 kilograms. The donation is generally possible up to the age of 68 - with the exception: "If the general state of health permits, donations may also be made," says Baumann-Baretti. "Anyone who has not donated for a long time or is even a first-time donor must not be more than 68 years old." In DRC, the first donation age must not exceed the age of 64. For regular donors, the age of 72 is the upper limit. Before taking the blood, which lasts only a few minutes, a medical examination is carried out, during which blood pressure and pulse are measured, among other things. The donor should schedule approximately one hour with registration, examination, blood collection and subsequent snack. An hour in which one can save a life. The VUBD also explains on its website: "Since the body needs some time after the donation to compensate for the blood loss, a new donation is only possible 8 to 12 weeks later." Positive side effect: According to health experts, monthly blood donation fixes high blood pressure.

Temporary and permanent exclusion criteria
Certain groups of persons are permanently excluded as blood donors according to the guidelines of the German Medical Association. Among them are people with frequently changing sexual partners, male and female prostitutes, homosexuals, prison inmates and alcohol, drug and drug addicts. Other permanent exclusion criteria are diseases such as hepatitis, HIV or syphilis. There are also time-limited criteria, such as freshly tattooed tattoos or piercings. Here is a break of up to half a year. After a mild cold or fever you have to wait a few weeks to donate. "There are also vacation-related exclusions," explained Baumann-Baretti. "Anyone who has traveled to countries where the hepatitis virus, malaria or dengue fever is common, may not donate for a certain time."

Eat enough and drink a lot
Two hours before the donation, to bring the identity card, you should eat enough. "Not a banana is enough here. It should be a wholesome, not too fatty meal, "says Baumann-Baretti. In addition, donors should drink at least 1.5 liters prior to blood delivery to help the blood flow better. According to VUBD, an average of 15,000 blood donations are needed each day. According to experts, regional bottlenecks rarely occur, but in the future, the need for an aging society and improved treatment options, for example in the treatment of congenital immune diseases or certain cancers, could increase. According to the German Red Cross, fewer and fewer young people donate blood. But there are more and more older recipients. "This development will continue in the coming years according to forecasts," said Schweiger from the DRC. Therefore, more donors would have to be mobilized. In a young person, the likelihood of being considered a blood donor is higher than that of an older person. An action aimed especially at the younger population comes from the organizers of the heavy metal festival "Wacken Open Air". For years, they have been calling for a joint blood donation campaign in cooperation with Klinikum Itzehoe. Under the motto "Metalheads, we need your blood," they ask "donors from the metal community" on Friday and Saturday, 17 and 18 June 2016 for collective bloodletting. (Ad)