Red Journey becomes largest blood donation campaign nationwide

(LSO) – After eight years of organisation, “Hanh trinh do” (Red Journey) has become the largest blood donation campaign nationwide. 2020 is the seventh consecutive year that the  drive has come to Lang Son, creating a wide spread in the northern province.

The event was first held in 2013 by the National Institute of Haematology and Blood Transfusion. Since then, the programme has received over 255,000 units of blood.

Chairwoman of the provincial Red Cross Society Nong Bich Thuan shared the local experience in organising the programme such as promoting communication activities, delivering leaflets, and training volunteers.

At the annual opening ceremony, the organising board also honours outstanding organisations and individuals, thus creating a wide spread in the community and drawing a large number of people from all walks of life, she said.

Blood donors join the launching ceremony in Chi Lang district

She noted that the province received a total of 1,638 units of blood in 2019, doubling that of 2018.

Vu Thi Bich, born in 1969, residing in Tam Thanh ward, Lang Son city, has donated blood for nearly 10 times. She shared that “I knew the Red Journey programme since it was first held in Lang Son through communication activities. I always try to join the programme every year, and invite my friends and colleagues to participate in the festival. For me, blood donation is not only a charitable activity but also responsibility to save poor patients who need blood for treatment.”

Hundreds of volunteers in the province have joined the drive over the past years.

Volunteers take part in a parade to encourage people to donate blood at the Red Journey 2019.

As scheduled, the Red Journey 2020 will be held in Lang Son city from July 17-18. Before that, the province is due to organise blood donation in Chi Lang and Huu Lung districts. This year’s drive is expected to draw 2,500 donors and receive about 1,800 units of blood.

The provincial Red Cross Society has issued documents directing the building of detailed plans to host the programme.

Thuan said the organisation has also had creative ways to encourage people in remote areas to donate blood.

The Red Journey 2020 sends the message of connecting Vietnamese blood. It will be held across 42 centrally-run cities and provinces from June 6 to August 8. The proramme will end in Hanoi capital. It aims to draw 40,000 donors and collect at least 35,000 units of blood.