Blood donation stocks too low, warns Luxembourg Red Cross

Andrée Heinricy, doctor at the blood donation centre of the Red Cross, says that between 100 and 120 blood donations are needed per day to cover the needs of the Grand Duchy. In the last weeks, only 60-70 daily donations were registered.

This follows an emergency appeal made in August 2022, when estimated stocks would have only been able to supply Luxembourg's hospitals for one more week.

"We notice that our appeals did not get the response we expected," says Heinricy, explaining that many people were off on holiday or bedridden with the flu or Covid.

Heinricy therefore appeals to all healthy registered donors to come by the Red Cross in the next weeks, especially if they were away.

The Red Cross has between 13,000-14,000 registered donors. But an increase in the population has to go hand-in-hand with an increase in donors, explains the doctor.

Read more: Five things to know about donating blood in Luxembourg

How do I become a donor?

If you are between 18-60 years old, weigh more than 50kg and are in good health you can become a blood donor.

No particular blood group is sought.

The transfusion centres are situated in the capital and in Esch. The Red Cross also visits towns like Wiltz, Clervaux, Ettelbruck and Grevenmacher, among others.

You can find more information by phone at 27 55 4000.

Further information can be found at www.dondusang.lu