Giving blood, giving hope

Spreading “Hearts of kindness”

According to the Steering Committee for Voluntary Blood Donation Mobilization of Hai Phong City, as of April 6, the city had organized 80 blood donation drives, collecting a total of 14,798 units of blood. This reflects the coordinated efforts of authorities at all levels, sectors, and localities, as well as the enthusiastic participation of residents.

Mr. Tran Van H., who is currently receiving treatment at Hai Duong General Hospital following a traffic accident, shared: “About a week ago, I was admitted to the hospital with severe blood loss. When I saw the blood bags being transfused into my body, I truly felt grateful to the donors. Even though we do not know each other, they have given me another chance to live.”

From the stories of patients who are fighting for their lives each day thanks to these precious units of blood, the meaning and value of voluntary blood donation become even clearer. It is not simply about giving a part of oneself, but about sharing hope and extending life for others in need.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Oanh, an officer at the Public Administrative Service Center of Yet Kieu Commune, has donated blood 26 times through programs organized by the city and various organizations. For her, blood donation is not an obligation but a meaningful habit. “Every time I participate, I feel happy knowing that I am healthy enough to give. I hope more people will join so that no patient has to wait for blood in despair,” Ms. Oanh said.

One of the highlights of the blood donation movement in recent times has been innovation in the way activities are organized. Blood donation days are no longer limited to city-level events but have been expanded to local communities, with formats tailored to the conditions of each locality.

A typical example is the blood donation festival “Thanh Ha – A Thousand Hearts of Kindness” held by Thanh Ha Commune in late March 2026. This was the first blood donation drive organized after the new two-tier local government system came into operation. The event attracted more than 500 volunteers, collecting over 450 units of blood, exceeding the annual target of 432 units.

Earlier, the “Spring of Love” blood donation festival organized at VPMED Tan Hung Hospital also drew more than 300 participants, collecting 305 units of blood in just half a day.

In addition to large-scale donation events, many localities and organizations have established reserve blood donor groups, ready to respond to emergency requests. This helps ensure a timely blood supply for emergency treatment and medical care.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Hang, Chairwoman of the Red Cross Society of Hong An Ward, said that voluntary blood donation activities in Hai Phong have been increasingly improved and organized in a more professional manner. Safety is ensured at every stage, from registration and health screening to blood collection and storage.

Communication efforts have also been diversified to raise public awareness, particularly among young people, who represent a key potential force in the blood donation movement.

Local Red Cross branches have expanded participation while maintaining and developing blood donation clubs and volunteer teams. Coordination among different units to manage and mobilize blood supplies has also been strengthened to meet treatment demands promptly.

Minh Nguyen