With the holiday season in mind, Bavaria’s Health Minister Judith Gerlach (CSU) is promoting blood donations: In the summer months in particular, there is often a drop in donations due to vacations. This is why blood donation services are increasingly dependent on the support of the population. “Anyone who donates blood can save the life of a seriously ill or injured person. Only through selfless acts in the form of blood donations can medical treatment of the chronically ill and seriously injured be ensured,” said Gerlach, according to the statement.
In Bavaria, an average of 2,000 blood units are needed every day, said Gerlach. There has not yet been a shortage. “But it is important that people help early and donate blood.” One blood donation can help up to three sick or injured people. The blood donation service of the Bavarian Red Cross (BSD) has already had to deal with challenges in recent months. Managing Director Georg Götz said in a statement: “Cancelled appointments due to the flood disaster, many public holidays and long weekends in May and most recently the European Football Championship in high temperatures and great weather have noticeably reduced the willingness to donate.” It is therefore all the more important that the blood donation appointments in the coming weeks are well attended.
