The slogan “blood donation saves lives” has become a key message in the promotion, advocacy, and organization of voluntary blood donation campaigns. With its profound significance, the movement has grown extensively, spreading throughout society and attracting a large number of participants. However, the current amount of blood received still falls short of meeting the treatment needs of patients, and blood shortages persist in many hospitals.

At the Điện Biên provincial General Hospital, dozens of patients need blood transfusions daily, primarily relying on donated blood units from voluntary blood donation drives. Notably, many patients with severe injuries, emergency surgeries, or life-threatening conditions have been given a second chance thanks to the availability of stored blood.

Lò Văn Đức, Chairman of the provincial Red Cross Society and Deputy Head of the provincial Voluntary Blood Donation Steering Committee, shared: “Blood cannot be artificially produced, making the blood supply from voluntary donation drives crucial for emergency care and patient treatment. Blood donation is not an individual responsibility or obligation but a collective effort of the community”. Contrary to common misconceptions, blood donation is not detrimental to one’s health. In fact, it offers numerous benefits, including stimulating the production of new blood cells, reducing iron overload, lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke, providing an opportunity for health check-ups, and promoting a positive mental state and psychological well-being.

Thanks to effective awareness-raising and advocacy efforts, the voluntary blood donation campaign in Điện Biên province has seen a significant shift in awareness among officials, party members, and residents, with an expansion in the scale and number of blood donation drives. The province organizes over 20 blood donation drives annually, including large-scale events, attracting hundreds of participants, such as the Spring Blood Donation Festival, the National Voluntary Blood Donation Day and the “Red Journey” program. These efforts have led to a steady rise in blood donations, with 5,980 units collected in 2023 (119% of target) and nearly 6,600 units in 2024 (117% of target). For 2025, the province aims to collect more than 6,630 units, and by the end of the first quarter, over 1,300 units have already been collected.

The highlight of the blood donation campaigns is the expansion of participation, which now includes not only government officials, public servants, youth union members, and military personnel but also students, workers, laborers, and ordinary citizens.

Vũ Văn Sớm, an employee at a transportation company, shared his experience: “Every time I visit the hospital and see patients struggling due to lack of blood, I realize the significance of voluntary blood donation. I have participated in blood donation five times, and it is a chance for me to give hope to others”.

Nguyễn Thị Liên, a resident of Điện Biên Phủ city, also expressed her enthusiasm: “Despite my busy schedule, I always register to participate in blood donation drives. After each donation, I feel a sense of relief and joy, knowing that I have done something good for society”. In addition to participating in organized blood donation drives, many individuals have joined volunteer clubs to be ready to donate blood when needed. Currently, there are 25 such clubs in the province with nearly 1,000 members.

“Blood donation saves lives” - a noble gesture, blood donation saves lives - giving life to others. With many meaningful messages, the blood donation movement has received widespread support and has gradually become a beautiful part of the cultural life of the people. Promoting the spirit of sharing for the community, it is believed that the voluntary blood donation movement in the province will continue to spread even more strongly, encouraging more noble acts of donating blood to save lives.