Continuous Heavy Rain Suppresses Blood Donation Willingness, Taiwan's Blood Supply Drops to 3.7 Days

Central News Agency Report

(CNA reporter Shen Pei-yao, Taipei, June 12) Continuous heavy rain has dampened public willingness to donate blood, triggering an alert for blood shortages across Taiwan. According to the latest statistics from the Taiwan Blood Services Foundation, as of 1:00 PM today, the national blood inventory has dropped to just 3.7 days. Supplies of Type A and Type O blood are especially critical, with only 3.3 days and 2.6 days remaining, respectively.

The safe blood inventory level is defined as 7 to 10 days, with 4 to 7 days considered low and below 4 days classified as critically low. Current data from the Taiwan Blood Services Foundation shows the national inventory at only 3.7 days—below the safe threshold of 4 days. Type A and Type O blood supplies are critically low at 3.3 and 2.6 days, respectively. Type B and AB supplies are low at 6.0 and 4.9 days.

Regional blood centers are also under strain. Even Hsinchu, which typically maintains relatively stable inventory, now has only 4.3 days—classified as low. Other centers in Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung are critically low, with only 3.9, 2.9, and 3.8 days of supply remaining, respectively, placing the overall inventory in a precarious state.

With World Blood Donor Day approaching on June 14, the Taiwan Blood Services Foundation held a press conference this afternoon. Chairman Hou Sheng-mao emphasized that 'one bag of blood saves one life,' and the significance of World Blood Donor Day lies not only in thanking donors but also in reminding the public of the goodwill and human connection formed through blood donation.

Executive Director Wang Tsung-hsi stated that blood supplies typically run low every Friday due to accumulated medical demand over the week, compounded by weekend activities. To address this, the foundation has partnered with the Ministry of Digital Affairs to launch an official short code, 61420, which phonetically combines 'World Blood Donor Day' and 'I love you' (Ai Nin). This code will be used to send official SMS alerts, urging the public to donate blood passionately.

Lin Min-chang, Director of the Taipei Blood Center, noted that recent hot weather and continuous downpours have discouraged people from going out to donate. Taiwan requires over 6,000 blood bags daily, with Taipei alone needing at least 2,200. However, current donation levels have already reduced inventory by at least one to two days. He expressed hope for better weather and urged the public to donate generously. (Editor: Kuan Chung-wei) 1150612