Credit: Red Cross Luxembourg
On Friday 14 June 2024, on the occasion of World Blood Donor Day, the Luxembourg Red Cross has announced it is celebrating the commitment of women and men who, through their altruistic gesture, help save lives.
Guaranteeing stock levels of blood and derived blood products such as plasma or platelets for injured or sick people in Luxembourg is the raison d'être of the Blood Transfusion Center (CTS) of the Luxembourg Red Cross, located at 44 Boulevard Joseph II in Luxembourg-Ville.
On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of World Blood Donor Day, the Luxembourg Red Cross noted it would like to “thank the more than 15,000 donors registered in the CTS database and celebrate their commitment”, while reflecting on the achievements and challenges they continue to face.
“The regular mobilisation of donors allowed us in 2023 to guarantee stocks of blood products to meet the needs of hospitals throughout the year. But it is crucial to remain vigilant: stocks in spring 2024 have decreased, and we call on all donors to continue their mobilisation,” explained Doctor Anne Schuhmacher.
Blood transfusion plays an essential role in health care. “Donations of blood, plasma or platelets are vital: they make it possible to treat patients of all ages, in particular people with cancer or blood diseases, women giving birth, the seriously injured, or even those need of plasma-derived medicines.”
This year once again, surprises await donors who donate blood on Friday 14 June, whether they arrive first or not at the Blood Transfusion Centre.
To simplify blood donation as much as possible, the Blood Transfusion Center reminded the public that making appointments online has been possible since 2022, directly on the dondusang.lu website. Appointments to donate plasma (apheresis) have also been open since the beginning of 2024. It is possible to donate at around ten collection points throughout the country.
Finally, a new test has just been put online in English, French and German. facilitates checking one’s eligibility to donate blood, in just a few clicks.
