As World Blood Donor Day approaches on June 14, stories of civic responsibility are emerging across the Chinese mainland. At Beijing Jiaotong University, graduating students like Dong Jun are turning commencement milestones into opportunities for social impact through blood donation campaigns.
Dong, a 22-year-old engineering student, recently participated in his third blood drive organized by the university in collaboration with the Beijing Red Cross Blood Center. "This is my farewell gift to the campus community that nurtured me," Dong told KhabarAsia. "Knowing my contribution might save lives gives profound meaning to this transition."
The initiative comes as medical institutions nationwide prepare for summer blood supply shortages. University counselor Li Zhaoyi, who donated for the second time, described his motivation: "When I saw donated blood save my relative's life, I vowed to pay that gift forward." Li has since registered as a hematopoietic stem cell donor through the China Marrow Donor Program.
Academic institutions have become key partners in maintaining blood reserves, with 68% of Beijing's donations coming from organized group drives according to 2023 health data. The Beijing Red Cross Blood Center reports that youth participation has increased 12% year-on-year since 2020.
As China's healthcare system continues expanding access to medical services, such community-driven initiatives highlight the growing social consciousness among younger generations. For donors like Dong and Li, every blood bag represents both scientific necessity and human connection – a theme resonating strongly as global health organizations prepare to celebrate voluntary donors worldwide.
