Hong Kong – The Secretary for Education leads delegation of secondary school principals to visit Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service (with photos)

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
 
     To enhance awareness of blood donation within the academic community and to encourage youth participation, the Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service (BTS) invited the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, and the delegation of associations of secondary school heads to the BTS Headquarters today (November 7). The delegation toured the blood bank, laboratories, donor centre and education vehicle. The BTS provided an overview of its blood donation education initiatives, and facilitated a dialogue on strategies for promoting blood donation within schools. Dr Choi and the members of the delegation also gave blood after the tour, setting a role model for students in Hong Kong.

     In her opening remarks, Dr Choi said, “Blood donation not only helps those in need in the community but also cultivates in students the correct values and attitudes such as care for society, willingness to help, and respect for life, becoming good citizens. This year, 10 secondary schools are awarded the Elite Partnership Award in recognition of their exemplary efforts in cultivating a culture of blood donation on campus, which is truly commendable. The Education Bureau (EDB) appeals to the education sector to encourage more students to actively take part in blood donation.” The EDB fully supports the BTS’s efforts in blood donation education. Dr Choi added that it is heartening to see the BTS has introduced innovative blood donation education programmes, raising awareness of blood donation among youngsters.

     The Chief Executive and Medical Director of the BTS, Dr Lee Cheuk-kwong, addressed that, “In an aging society, the recruitment of new blood donors is of paramount importance. Young donor education is prioritised in blood donation promotion.” He added that, the BTS’s educational initiatives integrate holistic education and life planning. For example, the “Learn About Blood Tour” launched in 2022 invited students to visit the Centre’s blood bank to explore the blood production process and gain insights into the related medical and laboratory professions. Additionally, to cultivate a habit of regular blood donation, the BTS recognised young donors under 25 who have donated blood three or more times during campus donation events by presenting them with “Young Donor Medal”. Furthermore, promotion vehicle was deployed to campus donation drives and school representatives were invited to visit featured donor centre, aiming to attract more young donors through diverse activities.
      
     The BTS calls upon all members of the academia to continue supporting blood donation activities, and groom our next generation to be regular donors. For more information on academic blood donation programmes, please visit the BTS website: www.ha.org.hk/rcbts.