At 9:00 a.m. on February 10, the Nanjing Red Cross Blood Center’s mobile blood‑collection unit arrived at Nanjing Zijin Hospital at the invitation of the hospital, where dozens of medical workers had already been waiting. As the nation rallied to fight the epidemic, they rolled up their sleeves and stepped forward to become heroes of compassion.
 

Since the onset of the COVID‑19 pandemic, with most residents staying at home, the number of blood donors on the streets has plummeted. At present, the Nanjing Red Cross Blood Center’s inventory for all blood types has fallen below critical levels, putting people’s lives and health at risk.

During the COVID‑19 pandemic, blood donations plummeted, leaving Nanjing’s blood supply critically low and threatening public health. In this extraordinary time of epidemic prevention and control, voluntary blood donation is a vital act of support for those on the front lines. Nanjing Zijin Hospital stepped up by donating blood to aid the fight against the virus, becoming the first organization within Nanjing’s healthcare system to do so after the outbreak began.

Following the hospital-wide call for voluntary blood donation, staff members from all departments eagerly signed up. After rigorous screening, a total of 81 employees successfully donated blood in three separate sessions. Inspired by this initiative, several patients’ family members also joined the ranks of donors. Over the course of three days, a cumulative 24,700 cc of blood was collected.
 

Due to the ongoing pandemic, the Municipal Red Cross Blood Center has placed greater emphasis on safety measures to protect both donors and the blood supply. All donors are required to wear masks and have their temperature checked, and they undergo medical screenings, laboratory tests, and blood collection in staggered batches. Although the blood‑collection process is considerably slower than before, this approach effectively prevents crowds from gathering.

In extraordinary times, extraordinary responsibility! We stand guard over our city, marching forward for love. During this critical period of epidemic prevention and control, every blood donor is a hero with a heart full of courage.