• Interviewer: We understand you started donating blood in 2009. What motivated a young man like you to commit to this noble act for the long term?
- Mr. Ngo Dung Cuong: My first blood donation was in July 2009. At that time, I participated as part of a local Youth Union movement, partly out of a sense of participation and partly out of curiosity to see what blood donation was really like. But it was during that blood donation session that I received information and knowledge about blood and about patients who need blood to survive. Those things changed my thinking. From that one blood donation, I realized that this is not just a temporary trend but a humanitarian act that needs to be maintained and spread.
After that, I started to learn more. I knew that blood donation has a clear health check process, and only those who meet the criteria are allowed to donate. That reassured me. And then I made it a habit: whenever I had the time, was healthy enough, and there was a blood donation program, I would participate. Perhaps it was the feeling of doing something useful that helped me stay committed to blood donation for so long.
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| In 2025, Mr. Ngo Dung Cuong was one of two representatives from Quang Tri province honored as an outstanding blood donor nationwide - Photo: Provided by the interviewee. |
• Interviewer: Since 2010, you have been involved in promoting and encouraging blood donation, and to date, you have successfully persuaded over 1,500 people to participate. How did you manage to convince so many people?
- Mr. Ngo Dung Cuong: I think that to motivate others, we must first set an example. When we ourselves donate blood regularly, others will see it as a normal thing, not something to worry about as much as they think. In 2010, I was the Secretary of the Youth Union branch, participating in the Blood Donation Promotion Committee of the former Bac Nghia Ward Youth Union. At that time, many people were still hesitant about donating blood. I didn't use a general appeal but chose to share honestly and truthfully. I told them about my experience and clearly explained that before donating blood, they would have their blood pressure and weight checked, and undergo screening tests. If they didn't meet the requirements, they wouldn't be allowed to donate. This proves that blood donation is very safe.
Another approach is to campaign in groups. I often invite friends along, creating a fun atmosphere so that first-time blood donors don't feel anxious. Furthermore, I believe the most important thing is to show people the true meaning of blood donation. When they understand that, they will change their minds and be more confident in participating. Many people, after their first donation, return to donate a second and third time. And then, they themselves become advocates for others. I think that's how the movement grows. To date, I've encouraged over 1,500 people to donate blood. That number is the result of many years of persistent meetings, explanations, encouragement, and even moments of failure. But I believe that as long as you are sincere, others will feel it.
• Interviewer: Since then, how many times have you donated blood, and what do you remember most from that journey?
- Mr. Ngo Dung Cuong: To date, I have donated blood 39 times. In my 17 years participating in blood donation, what I remember most are the emergency blood donations when hospitals urgently needed blood. Sometimes, while working, I would hear that a patient needed blood, and I and some colleagues in the blood donation team would contact each other, and whoever was eligible would go immediately. At that time, there wasn't much time to think; we just knew that if we could help in time, we could save the patient. I also remember the times when we went to encourage blood donation and the number of registrants was small. Then we had to call, text, and persuade each person individually. Some agreed, some refused. But even just a few people agreeing was precious.
For me, the greatest motivation is the feeling of "giving" to receive inner peace. When you do the right thing, you feel relieved. Furthermore, I understand that if one day my loved ones need blood, I hope the community will be willing to help in the same way. Donating blood multiple times has also helped me realize one thing: Good deeds aren't just a one-time thing, but something you do persistently. Many people do it once but never return. But if you do it regularly, you'll create a stable blood supply, helping hospitals be more proactive.
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| From 2009 to the present, Mr. Ngo Dung Cuong has participated in voluntary blood donation 39 times - Photo: Provided by the interviewee. |
• Interviewer: We understand that your family has been recognized as a "Family that has donated blood 40 times," and you yourself have received numerous certificates of merit and commendations from various levels and sectors. Furthermore, in 2025, you were honored as one of the outstanding blood donors nationwide. What do these recognitions mean to you?
- Mr. Ngo Dung Cuong: In 2024, my family was awarded a certificate of merit for "Family that has donated blood 40 times". This is a great joy, because it is not only an achievement for me personally but also represents the companionship and sharing of my family members.
When my family members donate blood together, I feel this act becomes even more meaningful, like a beautiful habit being preserved and spread. As for the certificates and awards I've received, I see them as recognition of my efforts over the years, and also as motivation for me to continue my commitment to the blood donation movement.
Actually, what I value most isn't the title, but the feeling that I've done something useful for the community and society. I'm also very happy that among the more than 1,500 people I encouraged to donate blood, many have since become regular blood donors, continuing to give. That's what sustainable positive impact is all about.
• Interviewer: Do you have any message you'd like to send to those who are still hesitant about donating blood?
- Mr. Ngo Dung Cuong: I think it's normal for some people to hesitate about donating blood, because people tend to worry when they don't understand something. I used to be like that too. But when you understand it correctly and completely, you'll see that donating blood is very worthwhile. I want to tell everyone: If you're healthy enough, try donating blood once. Maybe just once will change your perspective on life. Blood donation doesn't require you to be special; anyone can do it, just with a little courage and a kind heart. I believe that society will be better if such beautiful acts of kindness are maintained regularly, spread from one person to another, from family to community.
• Interviewer: Thank you for this conversation!
Tam An (compiled)
Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/xa-hoi/202604/cho-di-giot-mau-cho-ca-niem-tin-8040596/
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