Every winter marks the off-season for blood donation. As an institution that has repeatedly been recognized as an “Advanced Collective in Voluntary Blood Donation,” Nanjing Zijin Hospital fired the first shot of the city’s health system’s large-scale, centralized blood-donation drive at the very start of 2024.

　　On January 2 and 3, 2024, nearly 200 people at Nanjing Zijin Hospital registered to participate in the blood donation drive. Of these, 141 successfully donated, with a total of 46,800 ml collected. Among them, 96 donors gave 300 ml and 45 donors gave 400 ml.

　　Director Pan Xingming from Ward 102 donated 300 ml of blood this time, looking especially delighted. “Over the past five years, I’ve volunteered every single time, but due to health concerns, my blood tests came back不合格 twice, and I missed the chance to donate. This year, I adjusted my lifestyle—no smoking, no drinking, and going to bed early and rising early. Finally, this time all my blood‑test results were within the normal range, which means I’m in good health. How could I not be happy?” Holding his blood‑donation certificate, Director Pan took the opportunity to remind everyone once again: get to bed early and rise early, and avoid staying up late.

　　As the head nurse of Ward 203 at the Qinhuai Campus, Zhang Yanyan had just turned one year old since giving birth, making her eligible to donate blood. Early that morning, she arrived to fill out the forms and join the ranks of voluntary blood donors. Despite her robust, slightly curvy figure—earning her the nickname “a beauty in the slightly plump category”—her health hasn’t always been ideal. Over the years, her journey as a volunteer blood donor has been anything but smooth. On one occasion, she fainted after only 160 milliliters had been drawn; another time, she passed out at 130 milliliters. Yet another episode was due to anemia. Even so, on her second day back at work in 2024, she still signed up enthusiastically. Unfortunately, this time her screening results again showed anemia. Unable to donate, Zhang Yanyan couldn’t help but feel a bit disappointed. Still, she noted that although she didn’t manage to give, her father was there—someone who donates every year and has now participated in voluntary blood drives for 18 consecutive years, totaling 18 donations. Her father remarked, “A little bit of kindness is still a small contribution to society.”

　　Aunt Zhang, the mother of inpatient Shuoshuo, said this was her first time donating blood. She had long been aware of blood‑donation drives but, concerned that her young child would be left unattended if she fainted, she had held off—though the desire to give back through blood donation had always remained deep in her heart. With her child’s condition now relatively stable, Aunt Zhang steeled herself, took a bold step, and successfully donated 300 milliliters. After the donation, she reported feeling no discomfort, saying she had finally fulfilled a long‑held wish and would certainly continue to participate in future blood‑donation events.

　　Mr. He, who has been caring for his son, left in a coma following a car accident, has long maintained the habit of donating blood. After his child’s ordeal, he came to appreciate even more the critical importance of replenishing blood supplies during post‑accident surgeries, which is why he always makes it a point to respond positively to every call for donations. Xiao Zhang, a newcomer to the laboratory department who has been on the job for two months, faced his first blood donation with a smile. Yu, a colleague in the integrated‑media branding team with a year and a half of experience, donated calmly and composedly for the first time since the pandemic began. Meanwhile, Brother Tao, a hospital attendant, has been giving blood without fail for three consecutive years…

　　They are all silent, passionate heroes who, in the biting winter, offer the most heartfelt warmth, providing an unending source of life‑saving strength!

　　As the vanguard of Nanjing’s 2024 New Year blood‑donation drive within the city’s healthcare system, Nanjing Zijin Hospital has, for more than a decade, steadfastly upheld the fine tradition of selfless dedication and service to the community.

　　Ge Jiangping, president of Nanjing Zijin Hospital, stated: “As an institution that has repeatedly been recognized as an advanced collective in voluntary blood donation, we organized a group blood drive on the very first day of work in 2024. This has been a tradition at Nanjing Zijin Hospital for nearly two decades—every year, we mobilize our staff to participate in voluntary blood donation around the start of the New Year or during the Spring Festival period. As a tertiary rehabilitation hospital that primarily treats critically ill patients, we fully understand what blood means to those in need. Life calls for blood, and compassion requires selfless giving; as medical professionals, we should take the lead, proactively assume our social responsibility to safeguard the lives and health of the people—this is also our duty. I believe that presenting this first ‘答卷’ of kindness in the new year of 2024 is deeply meaningful for all of us.”