Blood donations in Kiel: Life rescuers wanted! So you can help!

Blood donations in Kiel: Life rescuers wanted! So you can help!

Kiel, Deutschland - blood donations are an indispensable element for medical care - for example, the employees of the University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH). The need is particularly high in Kiel and Lübeck, because around 1,000 blood donations are needed weekly to optimally supply patients. But the reality is unfortunately different: For years, those responsible have observed a decline in blood donations - from over 50,000 thoroughbred donations a year ago to several thousand less today.

The reasons for this decline are diverse. Particularly noteworthy is the demographic change, which means that the baby boomer generation leaves the donor group due to age. At the same time, younger people in particular are often less familiar with blood donation, which further tightens the situation. n-tv reports that no operations will have to be postponed despite the acute care, but the danger will have to be postponed, that in critical times as in the summer vacation or during cold waves, the stocks drop quickly.

commitment to more donors

The UKSH pursues various strategies to increase the number of donations. In this way, work is being increasingly made to motivate more people to donate blood and to optimize the handling of blood cannon trees in the clinic through a comprehensive "patient Blood Management". Precise coordination is necessary because every transfusion is carefully weighed. In addition, modern surgical techniques meant that the overall blood requirement can be reduced.

Another aspect that is supposed to promote the willingness to donate is digitization. The online bookings of donation dates or its own app, which is reminiscent of donation dates and shows blood values, is an attempt to increase donor friendliness. The donation centers in Lübeck and Kiel are currently being used, which cover most of the clinic needs. In the event that own supplies are not sufficient, the UKSH uses the stocks of the German Red Cross.

blood donation as an act of solidarity

blood donations are not only perceived as a necessary medical act, but also as a solidarity act in the community. The German Red Kreuz emphasizes that around 3.16 million people took part in various blood donation dates in 2024. This situation illustrates how important the personal commitment of each individual is, especially in view of the fact that around 15,000 blood donations are needed in the clinics every day.

Everyone can make a contribution - be it through a personal recommendation to friends or by deciding to become a donor themselves. After all, the blood donation remains a personal decision, which is particularly important in times of crisis, as is now the case during the summer vacation. All interested parties can obtain further information about the blood donation at the UKSH online and book appointments to make a small but significant contribution to health care.