In a press release issued on Tuesday, the Luxembourg Red Cross warned of a worrying decline in blood reserves and called on eligible donors to come forward in the coming days.
According to the Luxembourg Red Cross, current stocks cover only one week of hospital demand. While the critical threshold has not yet been reached, the situation remains tense, particularly as hospital needs remain constant throughout the year.
The Luxembourg Red Cross explained in its press release that the drop is largely due to the Easter holidays, during which fewer donations were made. The situation is now being further strained by the succession of public holidays and long weekends in May, a period that typically sees lower attendance at donation centres.
Looking ahead, the Luxembourg Red Cross also noted that the upcoming summer travel season could further reduce the number of eligible donors, as certain destinations temporarily prevent individuals from donating blood.
In its press release, the Luxembourg Red Cross issued an urgent appeal to the public, stressing that rapid mobilisation is essential to avoid a critical shortage in the coming weeks.
Anne Schuhmacher, director of the Blood Transfusion Centre in Luxembourg City, emphasised that donating blood is a simple but vital act that saves lives every day in Luxembourg and highlighted the importance of maintaining sufficient reserves to ensure patient safety.
The Luxembourg Red Cross recommends booking an appointment via www.dondusang.lu, although walk-ins are also accepted at the Blood Transfusion Centre on 42 Boulevard Joseph II.
Donations can be made on weekdays, with extended hours on Wednesdays and Thursdays. A second site in Esch-Belval is open on Mondays and Tuesdays, and further collection points are listed online.
The Luxembourg Red Cross, which is solely responsible for blood collection and management in the country, plays a key role in healthcare and humanitarian support, relying on thousands of staff and volunteers across its activities.
