Iserlohn. The German Red Cross (DRK) Iserlohn honored seventeen long-term blood donors at the DRK Center. Why the donations are so important.
The German Red Cross (DRK) On Wednesday, September 4, Iserlohn honored seventeen long-term blood donors in the DRK Center IserlohnDuring a pleasant get-together with snacks and drinks, in addition to the awards ceremony, there was also a special lecture with film contributions.
“For over 70 years, the Blood donation services at the DRK,” explains Christof FreisenPublic Relations Officer at the German Red Cross West, “Many lives have been saved through the use of blood transfusions. And yet the number of blood donors is decreasing more and more.” Around 850,000 blood donations are made in Germany each year, and 15,000 are needed every day, says Freisen. “Blood cannot be copied, it is simply too complex for that.” That is why blood donation services such as the German Red Cross rely on volunteers and are grateful to everyone who serves the good cause with a needle prick and thus helps to save other lives.
Blood donations to the German Red Cross: A simple way to make a big difference
Within one year, 2,500 blood units were collected through blood donations for the Iserlohn, Hennen, Kalthof and Letmathe areas. Every 2nd Wednesday of the month from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. find Blood donation dates at the DRK Center Iserlohn at Karnacksweg This is not only an act of solidarity, but also a simple and safe way to save lives. The dedicated team at the German Red Cross ensures that every donor feels comfortable and well looked after. Before the donation, the body temperature (in the ear) and the blood pigment content (hemoglobin level) are determined, and blood pressure and pulse are measured to ensure that the donation is safe for the donor. The actual blood collection takes just a few minutes and is carried out by trained staff.
The DRK is moving with the times and has been offering a practical Blood donation app This allows donors to book appointments, manage their blood donor card digitally and access important information about blood donation.
Honoring long-time blood donors
Renate Kopetz from the DRK expressed their thanks to the donors and presented the awards:
For 25 blood donations: Miriam Westphal, Sina Pateew, Heike Goldbach
For 50: Josef Hemmeke, Uta Lenz, Torsten Scholz, Attila Sunyecz, Jens Winkler
For 75: Catrin Engelberts, Justus Köhne, Hubert Maiwald, Andreas Schulte, Detlef Schumann, Arndt-Jürgen Stolle
For 100 blood donations: Franz-Josef Finnemann, Willi Große, Peter Thom
For 150 blood donations: Günter Verrieth, Ralf Wördehoff
Reante Kopetz from the DRK Iserlohn presented a special award: frontrunner Ralf Wördehoff was recognized for 150 blood donations. © IKZ | Nina Tripp
For Ralf Wördehoff from Iserlohn, blood donation is “something completely normal and natural”. He has been having his blood taken every two to three months for 39 years. “Back then, I got into it through my circle of friends and acquaintances, I just went along, first out of curiosity, then out of conviction,” he says in an interview. For 25 years, he has been a regular guest at the DRK in Iserlohn after work and has now been awarded for his 150. Blood donation honored.
The German Red Cross needs support
Klaus Remus which as Blood donor representative has been coordinating and organizing the events for eight years, emphasized that behind such a donor day lies a huge commitment of the volunteers. The team with a strong sense of community needs reinforcement and would be happy to receive support for the service and kitchen areas in Iserlohn, Hennen and Kalthof. The contact person for this is Renate Kopetz on 02351 – 6732012.
