As his graduation day approached, 22-year-old Dong Jun decided to make a lasting impact on his university community. In May, the soon-to-be graduate from Beijing Jiaotong University’s School of Mechanical, Electronic and Control Engineering rolled up his sleeve to donate blood.
“Blood can’t be artificially manufactured. Hospitals rely primarily on public donations,” Dong said. “Since I’m leaving campus soon, I wanted to contribute something meaningful. Donating blood makes me feel like I’ve done a small but significant thing for society.”
This isn’t Dong’s first time volunteering; he made his initial blood donation at just 18 years old. His recent contribution is part of a campaign launched by Beijing Jiaotong University in response to mounting pressure on the blood supply reported by the Beijing Red Cross Blood Center. The initiative specifically encouraged graduating students and faculty members to participate.
Among the volunteers is counselor Li Zhaoyi from the School of Electronic and Information Engineering, donating for the second time. Li was inspired by a personal experience when a family member received a life-saving transfusion. “Being able to help others brings me real happiness,” he shared. Motivated by this, Li has also registered as a volunteer hematopoietic stem cell donor, hoping to offer life-saving potential to those in need.
Nationwide Efforts Ahead of World Blood Donor Day
The 21st World Blood Donor Day is observed on Saturday, and people across China are answering the call for voluntary donations. Despite increased public awareness, misconceptions about blood donation still persist. Some fear it might weaken the body or cause long-term health effects.
Experts assure that for healthy adults, donating blood is safe. China’s current standard allows individuals to donate 200 to 400 milliliters per session, with at least six months between donations. Dr. Hou Ruiqin, associate director of the transfusion department at Peking University People’s Hospital, explained that such volumes account for only five to ten percent of the body’s total blood and do not affect daily health.
“With proper hydration, blood volume typically recovers within one to two hours after donation,” Dr. Hou said. “Donation stimulates blood regeneration. Red blood cells and hemoglobin usually return to normal within a week to ten days, while white cells and platelets renew within about seven days.”
Incentives and Policy Support
Since the Blood Donation Law of the People’s Republic of China came into effect in 1998, the country has established a fully voluntary, non-remunerated blood donation system. Donors receive no financial compensation, and all costs related to blood collection, testing, and processing are covered by the government to ensure safety and ethical integrity.
Donors who meet certain cumulative thresholds are entitled to lifetime free access to the equivalent volume of blood products. Their immediate family members also benefit from cost reductions during clinical treatments. In non-emergency situations, blood donors and their families receive priority access to the blood supply.
Local governments have also implemented the “Three Exemptions” policy, under which award-winning donors are granted free access to public transportation, free admission to government-funded parks, and exemption from general outpatient consultation fees at public hospitals. Other regions are piloting creative incentives, ranging from free health screenings and insurance packages to point-based systems that allow donors to exchange credits for commemorative gifts or services.
Challenges and the Future
In recent years, global voluntary blood donation has shown a declining trend. China saw record highs of blood donations in previous years, but recently, the national voluntary blood donation volume has decreased compared to the prior year. Experts highlight the combined effects of an aging population, changing lifestyles, and challenges in public awareness campaigns.
The National Health Commission revealed that China has a blood donation rate of 11.4 per 1,000 people. To boost voluntary blood donation, a range of measures to ensure a safe blood supply has been introduced.
As World Blood Donor Day approaches, the efforts of young donors like Dong Jun and professionals like Li Zhaoyi bring hope and inspiration. Their contributions not only save lives but also encourage others to participate in this vital cause.
