Blood donation campaign: Donate now and secure a DRK bath towel!

Blood donation campaign: Donate now and secure a DRK bath towel!

In summer, the need for blood supplies remains consistently high, and the German Red Cross (DRK) is providing a breath of fresh air with a special campaign. From August 11th to 29th, 2025, the DRK blood donation service Baden-Württemberg - Hesse is calling for people to take part in a special donation campaign that is not only life-saving, but also offers a small thank you. Anyone who brings a new donor will receive an exclusive bath towel in the DRK design. This could be the perfect summer gesture while making an important contribution to the community. As nh24.de reports, the need is traditionally particularly high in summer, as many regular donors are absent due to vacation during this time.

In Hesse and Baden-Württemberg, around 2,700 blood units are needed every day. An alarming criticism is the supply of blood platelets (thrombocytes), which only have a shelf life of four days. This means that every day counts! This makes it even more important that we all do our part and help those in need.

Strengthened in the donations

The next blood donation event in the Schwalm-Eder district will take place on August 26, 2025 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Kulturhalle, Steinweg, in Schwalmstadt-Ziegenhain. Anyone planning to donate should make sure to drink enough fluids and eat a light meal to avoid circulatory problems, especially when temperatures rise.

Basically any healthy adult who weighs at least 50 kilograms can donate. Despite the enormous importance of blood donations, only around 3% of the population in Germany are active donors. As the website blutspende.de explains, around 100,000 people leave the donor database every year for various reasons. This may be due to age limits or health restrictions. Therefore, every new donor is warmly welcomed and necessary.

Together to save lives

In addition to this local initiative, the six DRK blood donation services in Germany are raising awareness of the shortage with the #missingtype campaign. It is important to raise awareness among the population about the need for blood donations. Missing blood groups can lead to critical situations in an emergency, whereby patients may not be able to receive adequate care. Daily requirements include ensuring that enough blood supplies of all blood groups are available, as the preparations usually only have a short shelf life. The DRK explains that the importance of blood donation cannot be emphasized often enough: “It’s only when it’s missing that you notice it!”

Interested donors can easily reserve their appointments online at www.blutspende.de/termine. And if you have any questions, the free hotline is available on 0800 11 949 11. Join us and help save the lives of others – a small gesture can make a big difference!