Suwon Rolls Up Sleeves Amid Blood Shortage...Mayor Yeom Tae-young Participates

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Seo Dong-young] As blood donations plummeted in the wake of COVID-19, Suwon City has stepped forward.

The city has launched a "Love Blood Donation Campaign" to support the Korean Red Cross, which is experiencing difficulties in blood supply and demand.

The Love Blood Donation Campaign, which began on the 13th at blood donation buses (3 units) in the east parking lot of Suwon City Hall, is set to continue across each district, dong office, business facilities, and partner organizations. The city is currently coordinating schedules with the Gyeonggi Blood Center of the Korean Red Cross.

As of 4 p.m., 110 public officials voluntarily participated in blood donations. Suwon Mayor Yeom Tae-young and First Deputy Mayor Cho Cheong-sik also participated in blood donations that morning.

Following repeated cancellations of group blood drives after COVID-19 emerged, blood reserves at the Korean Red Cross have been declining sharply. While stable blood reserves are maintained at 5 days' worth, as of the 13th, the national blood reserve stands at approximately 3 days' worth. The blood reserve in Gyeonggi Province falls short of 2 days' worth.

Suwon Mayor Yeom Tae-young said, "Blood donation is an important act that saves another person's life," and urged, "With blood supply and demand difficulties due to the COVID-19 aftermath, I hope many citizens will join in saving lives with a spirit of collective effort." He added, "All our efforts are needed to overcome this difficult time."

Kim Young-soo, director of the Gyeonggi Blood Center of the Korean Red Cross, said, "The Korean Red Cross is strictly following infection prevention guidelines while collecting blood donations," and added, "Citizens can donate blood with confidence." He further expressed, "We appreciate the Suwon City public officials who voluntarily participated in blood donations."

The city is extending a helping hand to institutions and local governments facing difficulties due to COVID-19. In addition to the Love Blood Donation Campaign, the city is also launching a "Buy Agricultural and Fishery Products" campaign to assist local governments including Jincheon and Eumseong, which host quarantine facilities for residents from Wuhan.