Germany is experiencing a shortage of blood supplies.
Germany is currently facing a shortage of blood donations, mainly due to the European Championship football championship and the holiday season. This critical situation is particularly worrying in North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland and Lower Saxony, the German Red Cross (DRK) reported. As a result, some medical procedures have been postponed. Young people in particular are called upon to address this problem.
According to Patric Nohe, spokesman for the DRK Blood Donation Services, around 15,000 blood donations are needed every day throughout Germany. However, competition with leisure activities makes it difficult to meet demand in several areas. The DRK’s reserves are being used up and almost exhausted.
While Nohe acknowledges that blood is currently in short supply, he also stresses that there is no national crisis in the blood supply. He says that anyone who needs blood and goes to the hospital will still receive a transfusion. The DRK, through its Blood Donation Services, is responsible for about 75% of all national blood donations.
“Opportunity to improve”
According to Nohe, the current blood shortage is due to the recent holidays, the European Championship football championship and the holiday season, which coincidentally reduce donor enthusiasm and make it difficult to store reserves due to blood’s short shelf life.
The situation is serious in North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland and Lower Saxony, and operations in hospitals have been postponed as a result. Despite this, there is “potential for improvement” at national level. Nohe stresses the importance of making the most of all upcoming donation slots to maintain the supply of essential blood products.
Young blood needed
To encourage more people to donate blood, the German Red Cross (DRK) is employing maximum logistical and promotional efforts, says Nohe. Currently, the core of blood donors in Germany comes from the baby boom generation. However, many older people may be unable to donate due to medication or health problems, despite the removal of the age limit. For this reason, young blood is particularly in demand: “Two donations a year can make a significant difference.”
If the situation persists, further hospital procedures may have to be postponed. Nohe warns that “blood cannot be manufactured artificially.” Without donations, it could quickly lead to a serious crisis.
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