People participate in voluntary blood donation at the Red Journey program.
Since 2013, the Red Journey has been established with the aim of promoting and mobilizing voluntary blood donation (VBD) and communicating about thalassemia - a genetic disease that requires a relatively large amount of blood for treatment. At the same time, it organizes blood donation events and receives blood during times of scarcity, especially in the summer. To date, the Red Journey has taken place in 58 provinces and cities; successfully organized 2,653 blood donation points, receiving thousands of blood units. With professional organization, the enthusiasm of volunteers has left a "red" love in the hearts of the people as well as local authorities.
Thanh Hoa is one of the first localities to join the program from the very beginning. As of 2025, the province has organized 13 consecutive Red Journeys - an impressive number, demonstrating the spirit of humanity and the strong participation of the entire political system. Up to now, Red Journey is not only a blood donation communication program, but has become a humanitarian "red" meeting place for passionate hearts; a place to connect humanity and the community.
As promised, from the beginning of July, volunteers temporarily put aside their daily work and gathered to participate in a meaningful and exciting training and selection session. This is an activity that is eagerly awaited every year, not only in Thanh Hoa but also in many provinces and cities across the country where the Red Journey passes through. Not simply a skills training course, the training sessions are also an opportunity for volunteers to update their knowledge about HMTN and thalassemia. At the same time, volunteers can participate in practical experiences, practice together, share and connect. From that knowledge, they will become active propagandists in the community and inspire the younger generation to live beautifully and usefully. Hundreds of people, each with different circumstances and jobs, but sharing the same ideal: bringing life to patients in need of blood.
Ms. Nguyen Mai Anh, a volunteer of Thanh Hoa's "Red Journey" in 2025, shared: "For the past three years, my summer has been associated with the humanitarian "red color". Understanding the role of blood for patients, I am willing to carry on the mission of propagating and mobilizing people to understand correctly and fully about HMTN, about thalassemia and actively participate in donating blood for the community."
Not only a meeting place for volunteers, Red Journey has become an attractive invitation for Thanh people. Every July, many people join in donating blood and remind each other to donate blood regularly to prolong the lives of thousands of patients who need blood for treatment and emergency.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Lien (Hac Thanh ward) is one of the people who has been involved in the blood donation movement for a long time. She shared: "Since I learned about the Red Journey, I have understood more about the importance of blood donation. Since then, every year I have donated blood at the program and local blood donation events, with the desire to contribute my small part to bring hope to patients."
One of the factors that helps the Red Journey in Thanh Hoa maintain its strong vitality is the creativity in the way it is done. Each campaign season, the Organizing Committee of the Thanh Hoa Red Journey program has proactively developed an organization plan early; closely coordinated between units to organize flexibly, economically but effectively. At the same time, promoting propaganda activities, along with the positivity, not afraid of difficulties, and dedication to the work of the medical staff in organizing blood collection.
Chairman of the Provincial Red Cross Society, Deputy Head of the Provincial Steering Committee for Blood Donation, Head of the Organizing Committee of the Thanh Hoa Red Journey 2025 Nguyen Quoc Thanh said: “With the power of humanity and great encouragement, the program "Red Journey" conveys a message that moves millions of people about blood donation, about the reason for living "giving and receiving"; about humanitarian values, sharing, spreading love from volunteer hearts will continue to warm the unfortunate lives, suffering from illness. In Thanh Hoa, the Red Journey has left a clear mark with outstanding results such as the 12th Red Journey program in 2024, Thanh Hoa province received more than 9,000 units of blood and widely spread the noble gesture of blood donation to the community".
The Red Journey in Thanh Hoa over the years is not just a blood donation program. It is a journey of humanity, hope and faith lit by kind hearts. It is a cultural beauty, multiplied in every family, unit, residential area, from the sea to the mountains, from the city to the countryside, demonstrating the solidarity, sharing and deep affection of the people of Thanh Hoa. And certainly, in the next Red Journey seasons, thousands of hearts will continue to contribute so that each drop of blood donated will bring life to tens of thousands of people who need to hold on to life every day.
Article and photos: Quynh Chi
Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/ket-noi-cong-dong-lan-toa-yeu-thuong-254734.htm
Comment (0)