Forum: Steps taken to build a lifelong culture of blood donation

We thank Mr Ng Wei Joo for his letter “Relationships, not just rewards, will secure Singapore’s blood supply” (May 12).

We are encouraged by the support from regular and lifelong donors like Mr Ng, and agree with him that relationships are key to sustaining Singapore’s blood supply. Over the past 80 years, our approach to the National Blood Programme has been to encourage donors to start early, and giving them support at every stage of life so that donation becomes a lasting habit.

The journey begins even before individuals are eligible to donate. Starting from pre-school, children are introduced to the importance of blood donation, fostering awareness and readiness for when they reach the donation-eligible age of 16. We are heartened to see families donating blood together once their children are eligible.

We continue to build momentum through roadshows and blood drives at institutes of higher learning, where youth often get to take their first step towards regular donation. Community initiatives include the @heybloodbuddy Instagram and YouthInspire, a volunteer club that teaches youth leaders to champion the cause and to inspire the next generation of blood donors. More than 1,000 young people have joined YouthInspire since it started in June 2024.

For working adults, employer support is key to sustaining the donation habit. The Public Service Division grants public officers one day of volunteering leave, which can be used for blood donation, recognising it as a meaningful contribution to the nation. Our Adopt the Blood Bank programme and the ongoing 80 for 80 Blood Marathon aim to offer the convenience of donating. Close to 70 organisations have adopted the blood banks.

Earlier this year, we raised the age limit for first-time donors to 65, allowing healthy older Singaporeans to contribute to this national cause.

We strive to make blood donation convenient and accessible for all. Today, donors can donate blood at five blood banks across Singapore, complemented by mobile drives.

For added convenience, our DonateBlood app will also alert donors to mobile drives near them. We also appreciate and welcome more donors to volunteer at our blood banks, where they help reassure first-time donors through their presence and personal stories.

We will continue to look at ways to journey with our donors across different life stages, including Mr Ng’s suggestions, to sustain Singapore’s National Blood Programme.

William Sim
Division Director, Blood Services Group
Health Sciences Authority

Prakash Menon
Group Director, Blood Donor Programme
Singapore Red Cross