German Red Cross calls for blood donations before the vacations

The German Red Cross (DRK) is calling on people in Saxony to donate blood again before the vacations. "We know from the last few years that there can be a shortage of donations in the summer months," said Kerstin Schweiger from the DRK Blood Donor Service North-East. The situation is currently stable. However, this could change quickly, as the preserves made from platelets, for example, only have a short shelf life and therefore need to be constantly replenished. On the website www.blutspende-nordost.de you can check the blood group barometer to see whether your own blood donation is currently needed.

Those who want to donate blood in hot weather should, however, follow a few tips, said Schweiger. In general, it is important to drink enough before donating blood. Two to three additional glasses of water, juice or tea in the two hours beforehand are always necessary, he said. In hot weather, it can be half a liter more. Donors should also avoid the sun immediately before and after donating and, above all, not do any sport. Anyone wishing to donate blood must be 18 years old, weigh 50 kilos and be in good health.

There is a lack of young donors in Saxony

As in other federal states, there is a lack of young blood donors in Saxony. On average, donors in the state are 50 years old, as Schweiger says. The baby boomers, who are in very high birth rates, will gradually drop out in the coming years for health reasons. People aged 18 and over, but also middle-aged people, will now have to step up.

"We are therefore trying to appeal to the younger generation in particular with posts on social networks, but also with numerous campaigns," said Schreiber. The World Blood Donor Day on June 14 is just around the corner. In many cities in Saxony, donations will also be possible on Saturdays - normally this is only possible from Monday to Friday.