Holidays make blood supply more difficult - DRK relies on donations

Blood can be donated on several special dates over the holidays in Saxony. "December is a difficult month because of the holidays, as it is every year," said Kerstin Schweiger from the DRK Blood Donor Service North-East when asked. In addition, many people fall ill in winter. The supply situation for life-saving blood products is currently stable at a low level.

Special dates are available on December 26 and 27 and on January 3. In Dresden, donations can be made at certain times at the Municipal Hospital in Neustadt, at the Institute for Transfusion Medicine in Blasewitz, at the Simmel Center on Albertplatz and at the DIY store in Washingtonstraße. Schweiger generally advises people to book an appointment online in advance to avoid waiting times. A blood donation takes about 45 minutes. Healthy people aged 18 and over can donate.

Also good for your own health

Those who donate blood regularly not only help people, but also receive a medical health check every time before donating, says Schweiger. Several preparations can be obtained from the donated blood: Red blood cells (erythrocytes), blood plasma and blood platelets (thrombocytes). The platelets, which are needed in cancer treatment, for example, only have a shelf life of four days.