Blood donor tours help students overcome first-time fears
HK01 · 1 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago5 MIN
Summary
The Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service has been using guided tours to explain blood donation to students and address common fears about the process. At a recent visit to the Yuen Long Donor Centre by students from Shap Pat Heung Rural Committee Kung Yik She Secondary School, some participants chose to donate blood for the first time after the tour. Students said the experience helped them see that donation was not very painful and that one donation could help save three people. The service said building correct knowledge about blood is crucial if 16-year-olds are to become regular donors.
Key Points
- The roughly one-hour tour has three parts, beginning with interactive games and information boards on blood types, donation criteria and how blood saves lives.
- Participants then visit the haemoglobin testing area, donation area and blood processing area, while staff explain equipment and the full donation procedure.
- In the final section, staff break down each step of donation and answer questions on the spot to reduce participants' unease and fear.
- Student To Ho-ming (杜浩銘) donated immediately after the visit, saying the process was not very painful and that one donation could save three people.
- Another first-time donor, Yip Tsz-tat (葉梓達), said he had once been afraid despite his father's encouragement, but now plans to donate with him.
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong readers, the programme shows one practical way to turn eligible teenagers into regular blood donors by replacing fear with direct experience and clearer information. With more than 60 schools already booking campus talks or centre visits for the 2026-27 school year, the approach could widen the future donor base if students keep donating after their first visit.