2024’s Blood Donation Month celebrates the 50th year of Taiwan’s blood donation movement. The Taiwan Blood Services Foundation (TBSF) held a press conference on Monday to promote the special occasion. The donation centers will be holding more activities across the country until February 8.
TBSF CEO Wei Sheng-tang (魏昇堂) says that Taiwanese people once felt that donating blood was harmful to the body. But today, Taiwan’s blood donation rate ranks first in the world. He points out that the amount of blood donated every year is still increasing thanks to the many selfless contributions.
However, Wei warns that blood shortages are still likely to occur around the lunar new year holidays, as many regular donors are busy or travelling. He says that currently the foundation has only about seven-days of stock which may become depleted shortly. The TBSF calls on the public to donate so that patients who need blood during the holidays can receive treatment with peace of mind.
The press event featured people whose lives were saved by the generosity of donors and others who make donations regularly.
In addition, Australian-Taiwanese professional Go player and actor Joanne Missingham (黑嘉嘉) is serving as the new blood donation spokesperson this year. With increased promotion and the publication of a new children’s picture book, the TBSF says it hopes the concept of donating blood to save lives takes further root and more people roll up their sleeves.