# German blood donation eligibility and campaigns > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/german-blood-donation-eligibility-and-campaigns > Updated: 2026-10-21T11:40:41.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 4. Germany has updated its blood donation guidelines to address rising demand and donor shortages. Following changes by the German Medical Association, the previous upper age limit for donors has been removed. Eligibility is now based on an individual’s overall health and fitness rather than a fixed age, allowing previously ineligible older individuals to potentially return to donating if cleared by medical personnel. Kristina Hölig of the German Society for Transfusion Medicine and Immunohaematology notes that age is not the deciding factor, but rather an individual’s ability to tolerate the donation. Potential donors are encouraged to use online checks or hotlines to verify eligibility, particularly if they are taking specific medications. To support these changes, the German Red Cross (DRK) has launched several regional campaigns. The DRK Blood Donor Service Baden-Württemberg – Hessen is running the ‘Du+1’ (formerly ‘Leben retten hat Style’) initiative from September 28 to November 27, 2026, offering exclusive Happy Socks to those who donate alongside a first-time donor. This campaign is active at mobile sites and institutes in Mannheim, Ulm, Frankfurt, and Kassel. Additionally, the DRK-Blutspendedienst West is conducting a fall campaign to prevent supply shortages during the autumn travel season. In the Trier region, mobile units and appointments are scheduled between October 12 and October 19, 2026, including locations such as Trier-Ehrang, Piesport, and Schönecken. In Güllesheim, a donation event is set for October 19, 2026, at the Raiffeisenhalle, offering coffee-to-go cups for first-time donors and Fleur de Sel sea salt for regular donors. In Egestorf, a donation event is scheduled for October 28, 2026, at the Evangelisches Gemeindehaus St. Stephanus. General requirements include being a healthy individual aged 18 or older. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-21: German Red Cross launches blood donation campaigns The German Red Cross is promoting blood donation through regional campaigns, including a special incentive program in Hessen and Baden-Württemberg and local events in Egestorf. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/german-red-cross-launches-blood-donation-campaigns ### 2026-09-29: German Red Cross launches fall blood donation campaign The German Red Cross is calling for blood donations across regions including Trier and Güllesheim throughout October 2026, offering incentives to new and regular donors to ensure medical supplies. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/german-red-cross-launches-fall-blood-donation-campaign ### 2026-09-26: Germany expands blood donation eligibility and launches donor campaign Germany has removed the 65-year age limit for blood donation to combat shortages. The DRK is also launching a campaign offering Happy Socks to those who donate with a first-time donor. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/germany-expands-blood-donation-eligibility-and-launches-donor-campaign ### 2026-09-02: German Red Cross promotes blood donation with new age guidelines The German Red Cross is conducting blood donation drives following new guidelines that remove upper age limits for healthy donors, focusing instead on individual health status. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/german-red-cross-promotes-blood-donation-with-new-age-guidelines --- Cite as: German blood donation eligibility and campaigns. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/german-blood-donation-eligibility-and-campaigns