Overview

• The German Red Cross (DRK) has highlighted an urgent need for blood donations, particularly during the Advent season and over the year-end holidays.
• Daily demand for blood donations in Germany is approximately 15,000 units, with cancer patients being the largest group of recipients.
• Holiday travel and festive preparations often lead to a decline in donations, creating shortages in critical blood types needed for emergencies and ongoing medical treatments.
• Special blood donation drives are being organized in regions like Saxony and Berlin to address anticipated supply gaps over Christmas and New Year.
• The DRK emphasizes the simplicity of donating blood, noting that the process takes about an hour and can save lives, especially for patients with severe illnesses or injuries.