Red Cross launches call for blood donors via social media

The Red Cross today launches a new campaign via social media to help top up the blood bank in Belgium. Every year, the organisation loses some 40,000 blood donors, writes De Standaard.

The campaign is urgent, says the organisation, as it loses about 40,000 donors each year because they are abroad, ill, pregnant, have a tattoo or have reached the maximum age limit of 71. The slogan of the new campaign is 'Replace Me', as the organisation aims to find a replacement donor for each one who has left.

"Seven out of ten people will need blood at some point," says Red Cross spokeswoman An Luyten. "While only three percent of the population gives blood. Keeping the blood supply up to date is a constant struggle.”