Returning from the 2026 National Blood Donor Recognition Ceremony, Mr. Anh couldn't hide his happiness as he was surrounded by people congratulating him. His blood donation stemmed from a desire to contribute to saving the lives of critically ill patients, so he never imagined he would receive such a great honor.
Actually, I've had the opportunity to meet Professor Anh many times before, while working at blood donation events organized by the Hematology and Blood Transfusion Center of Hue Central Hospital in collaboration with local authorities. He was always one of the first to arrive, not only donating blood but also staying to encourage teachers and local people to participate in blood donation.
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| Teacher Nguyen Van Anh (on the left) poses for a commemorative photo during the 2026 National Ceremony honoring outstanding voluntary blood donors - Photo: Provided by the interviewee. |
Sharing about how he became involved in this humanitarian activity, Mr. Anh said that he first donated blood when he was a student at the University of Education, Hue University.
“Initially, I participated in blood donation mainly for health check-ups and to meet the quotas and numbers assigned by the local authorities. At that time, most people were hesitant to donate blood; no one wanted to participate. Later, after learning about the positive meaning of blood donation and witnessing many people in critical condition due to blood shortages, I told myself I had to maintain regular blood donation. At the same time, I set an example to encourage colleagues and relatives to participate,” Mr. Anh confided.
To date, he has donated blood 42 times. He maintains regular blood donations, including emergency donations, with volumes ranging from 250-350ml per donation. He particularly remembers the time when the COVID-19 pandemic broke out everywhere, and hospitals and medical centers faced blood shortages for patients. Many times, along with his fellow villagers in Vinh Hoang commune, he braved the dangers and hardships to go to the Provincial General Hospital to donate blood, ensuring a timely supply for the hospital.
Later, he participated in many emergency blood donations at hospitals both within and outside the province. Whenever he received notification that someone needed his blood type, he eagerly went immediately.
"Compared to those who donate blood regularly, my number is still low. But I still feel happy because the blood I donate can help save the lives of many people. Every drop of blood given is a source of joy," Mr. Anh shared.
It is known that Mr. Anh is currently a member of the Blood Donation Club of Quang Tri province. He believes that human health and life are the most precious assets. Therefore, saving people from critical situations is an important task that must always be given top priority. His joy is further amplified by the fact that he is no longer alone on his humanitarian journey, but has family members participating in blood donation with him. Moreover, Mr. Anh actively encourages other healthy staff and teachers in the school to participate in blood donation.
"In the past, the blood donation movement wasn't as widespread as it is now. In our school, usually only I and a few male colleagues participated in blood donation. But now things are different. At my school, each blood donation drive has 4-5 people registering to participate, including many female teachers, thus contributing to spreading the humanitarian blood donation movement more widely," Mr. Anh confided.
Besides his work in blood donation, Mr. Anh is also an enthusiastic and dedicated principal, respected by his colleagues and loved by his students. Under the leadership of "the driving force" Nguyen Van Anh, the learning and emulation movements at Vinh Tu Primary and Secondary School have always been vibrant and achieved many high results in recent years. For his contributions to blood donation, Mr. Nguyen Van Anh has been honored twice with a commendation from the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee and most recently was recognized at the 2026 National Ceremony honoring outstanding blood donors.
"It is individuals like Mr. Anh, who are at the forefront and actively involved in humanitarian blood donation, who will encourage, promote, and spread awareness, mobilizing everyone to participate. Through this, they will contribute to creating a 'living blood bank,' ready to serve the healthcare needs of the people in the area," emphasized Nguyen Thi Bich Thoi, President of the Vinh Hoang Commune Red Cross Society.
Truc Phuong
Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/xa-hoi/202606/42-lan-hien-mau-tinh-nguyen-4a475a3/
