Overview

• First-time donations fell by 6% last year, contributing to just 3% of eligible Germans giving blood.
• With the Baby Boomer generation aging out, hospitals warn of a widening gap in supply for cancer, autoimmune and trauma treatments.
• Platelet and red cell supplies expire within 42 days, making continuous donor engagement essential to avoid dangerous shortfalls.
• German Red Cross branches in Essen, Dresden and other urban centres report particularly low turnout, intensifying regional strains this summer.
• Appeals have intensified social media campaigns and eased past donor restrictions alongside celebrity endorsements through the #missingtype drive.