German Red Cross urges summer blood donations

The German Red Cross blood services in Baden‑Württemberg, Hessen and Bavaria have launched a nationwide "missingtype" campaign to counter the typical summer drop in donations. The initiative removes the letters A, B and O from logos and social‑media posts to highlight the three main blood groups and the continuous need for blood, especially platelet units that expire after four days. Daily, roughly 3,000 blood units are required in the two states alone, and shortages become noticeable when donors prioritize vacations and outdoor activities.

The campaign, supported by sports and entertainment personalities, urges people to donate with friends or family and provides a schedule of local donation sites. New guidelines will also discard age limits and sexual‑orientation exclusions, allowing eligibility to be assessed individually by medical professionals. The effort aims to ensure a stable blood supply throughout the summer months.

The shortage is already apparent in Bavaria, where blood banks report low stock levels for urgent surgeries and cancer treatments. The Red Cross encourages the public to stay hydrated, eat before donating, and consider donating platelets, which have the shortest shelf life.