According to the West Blood Donation Service, the willingness to donate blood in the Sauerland has been at a very low level since May. Reasons for this include the good weather, the many days off and, especially in summer, the holiday season, which prevents many people from donating; sometimes even for longer: for example, anyone who has been to a distant country and received a malaria vaccination, for example, is not allowed to donate blood for six months. This led to a significant shortage of blood supplies in the summer.
Many appointments after the holidays
With the end of the summer holidays, the West Blood Donation Service is hoping for an improvement. There are a number of appointments in the coming weeks, including next week in Medebach, Meschede and Olsberg. A complete overview can be found here.
The West Blood Donation Service points out that there is no longer an upper age limit for blood donation. Anyone over 18 who is healthy can donate blood. Anyone who is unsure whether they are allowed to donate blood – for example because they are taking certain medications – can inquire in advance free of charge by calling the DRK Blood Donation Service hotline on 0800 1194911. www.blutspende.jetzt There is an online check to see if you can donate blood. You can also book an appointment there, which means you can donate without having to wait, they say.
Donors will also need to bring their ID card or driver’s license to the appointment. The actual blood donation takes about five to ten minutes. Afterwards, you lie down and relax for another ten minutes. After the blood donation, there is a delicious snack.
Bratwurst for blood donors
This is also what the donors are expecting when they come to the vocational college “Am Eichholz” in Arnsberg on Sunday, Feauxweg 24. After the blood donation, the Red Cross will treat the lifesavers to freshly grilled sausages. The summer blood donation day runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
