Recognizing Loyal Blood Donors: Uniclinic Celebrates Donor Appreciation Day in Dusseldorf
Celebrating Top Blood Donors on World Blood Donor Day
In honor of World Blood Donor Day (14.6.), the team at Düsseldorf University Hospital's (UKD) Blood Donation Center prepared a special tribute for the hundreds of donors who have consistently given life-saving blood.
Over 50 regular donors, known as lifesavers, gathered in the grand hall of Schloss Mickeln. These generous individuals have repeatedly donated blood, some exceeding an astounding 900 donations at the UKD. This prestigious event celebrates the dedication of these donors, with many having made over 300 donations. Both whole-blood donors and platelet donors (thrombocytes) attended the celebration. While whole blood donations are limited to six times a year for men and four times for women, platelets can be donated up to 26 times under optimal conditions.
This year's theme for World Blood Donor Day is "Blood donation is an act of solidarity. Join in and save lives!" The demand for blood donations doesn't take a summer break, so the UKD Blood Donation Center frequently calls for donations despite vacation seasons.
Blood donors are crucial
Blood donation is a vital resource, with 80% of Germans relying on a blood transfusion or related products at least once in their lives. Blood products aid accident victims, surgical patients, and cancer patients, with around 60,000 blood preparations needed annually at the UKD. Across Germany, 15,000 blood units are needed every day to save lives.
The UKD Blood Donation Center is equipped with air conditioning and implements necessary hygiene measures to ensure donor safety. The 3G rule is enforced, requiring all donors to be vaccinated, recovered, or tested upon entry and provide proof. Appointments can be scheduled ahead or walk-ins are welcomed.
Cinema vouchers and rewards for donors
New donors at the UKD receive a cinema voucher, while a compensation of 25 Euros is provided starting from the second donation onwards. Regular donors are rewarded with 25 Euros every 12 months for their devotion, with women eligible for the bonus upon their third blood donation and men upon their fourth.
To donate, one must be between 18-59 (up to 68 years old for regular donors), weigh a minimum of 50 kg, and have good health. Donors should refrain from taking certain medications and should eat well and remain hydrated before donating. A valid ID or passport is required. Some overseas travel may temporarily prevent eligibility; for detailed criteria, refer to the UKD website.
New donors should arrive at least an hour before closing time; on Saturdays, up to 11:30 AM.
Opening hours for the UKD Blood Donation Center:
- Monday, Tuesday, and Friday: 7:15 AM to 2 PM
- Wednesday and Thursday: 11:30 AM to 7 PM
For more information on eligibility criteria, exclusion factors, and current opening hours, visit the UKD Blood Donation Center's website.
Blood donors are a significant resource in health-and-wellness, as they help millions of people with medical-conditions including accident victims, surgical patients, and cancer patients. The science behind blood donation saves lives, with 15,000 blood units needed daily across Germany and around 60,000 blood preparations needed annually at the UKD Blood Donation Center.
