Young people urgently needed: blood donation saves lives on World Blood Day!

Young people urgently needed: blood donation saves lives on World Blood Day!

On June 14, 2025, Federal Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU) calls on the younger generation to take the important and altruistic act of donating blood. This call falls on World Blood Donor Day, a day that not only celebrates blood donors but also highlights the need for blood donations in our society. “Blood donations save lives,” emphasizes Warken, emphasizing how important the willingness to donate is, especially in times when the number of first-time donors is continually decreasing.

In Germany, healthy people aged 18 and over who weigh at least 50 kg are allowed to donate blood. While men are allowed to donate up to six times a year, women are allowed to donate a maximum of four times. This differentiation leads to a lively discussion about the circular donation culture, which is deeply rooted, especially among baby boomers. However, this generation is increasingly dropping out and blood donation services are struggling to attract younger people to the cause. According to Georg Götz, chairman of the Association of Blood Donor Services of the German Red Cross (DRK), cross-generational commitment is essential to meet the growing demand for blood supplies.

Demographic challenges

A fundamental change in the donor landscape is becoming increasingly clear. “We are noticing a decline in first-time donors,” says Götz, which is worrying given the demographic change. According to the 2024 figures, around 3.16 million people attended the DRK blood donation appointments, of which 40,696 took place nationwide this year. Nevertheless, the willingness to donate is particularly low among young people. Although the increase in donation occasions is noted, the number of first-time donors is continuously falling - by 6% compared to the previous year.

The blood supplies that are needed every day are essential for medical care. Clinics need reliable suppliers, especially in the summer months, when many people go on vacation or there are heat waves. The DRK appeals to this point and emphasizes the importance of donating blood regularly, even during the less popular months. Even if more blood donation appointments are offered every year, the challenge remains to win the younger generation over to this task for society as a whole.

Culture of blood donation

A look at history shows how the culture of blood donation has changed in recent decades: The first documented human-to-human blood transfusion took place in 1492. Since then, blood donation has developed into a life-saving component of conventional medicine. This development is inextricably linked to the blood donation services of the German Red Cross. The availability of blood products depends directly on the willingness to donate free of charge, and awareness must be created that donating blood is not only a good deed, but also represents a responsibility for society as a whole.

In order to make this important issue more heard, the Minister of Health is calling on all young people to get actively involved and show a good hand in supporting their fellow human beings by donating blood. “Especially at a time when social conditions are changing, every commitment is needed,” says Warken. Because if not now, then when? Blood donations save lives - and that applies at any time of the year.

For further information on current developments in the area of blood donation and to take part in upcoming events, visit ka-news.de, [blutspende-leben.de].