People participate in voluntary blood donation at the Red Journey program.
Established in 2013, the Red Journey campaign aims to promote voluntary blood donation and raise awareness about thalassemia – a genetic disease requiring a relatively large amount of blood for treatment. It also organizes blood donation events and blood collection during periods of scarcity, especially during the summer. To date, the Red Journey has taken place in 58 provinces and cities, successfully organizing 2,653 blood donation points and collecting thousands of units of blood. With its professional organization and the enthusiasm of its volunteers, the campaign has left a lasting impression of love and compassion among the people and local authorities.
Thanh Hoa was one of the first localities to participate in the program from its early days. By 2025, the province had organized 13 consecutive Red Journey events – an impressive number, demonstrating the spirit of compassion and the strong involvement of the entire political system. To date, the Red Journey is not just a blood donation awareness program, but has become a humanitarian "red" meeting point for passionate hearts; a place connecting people and communities.
As promised, from the beginning of July, volunteers temporarily set aside their daily work to gather for a vibrant and meaningful training and selection process. This is an eagerly awaited annual event, not only in Thanh Hoa but also in many provinces and cities across the country where the Red Journey travels. More than just a skills training course, these training sessions are also an opportunity for volunteers to update their knowledge about blood donation and thalassemia. At the same time, volunteers gain practical experience, train together, share knowledge, and bond. From this knowledge, they will become active advocates in the community and inspire the younger generation to live beautiful and meaningful lives. Hundreds of people, each with different circumstances and jobs, share a common ideal: bringing life to patients in need of blood.
Ms. Nguyen Mai Anh, a volunteer for the "Red Journey" in Thanh Hoa in 2025, shared: "For the past three years, my summer has been associated with humanitarian activities. Understanding the role of blood for patients, I am committed to carrying out the mission of raising awareness and encouraging people to understand blood donation, thalassemia, and actively participate in blood donation for the community."
More than just a meeting point for volunteers, the Red Journey has become an attractive invitation to the people of Thanh Hoa province. Every July, many people come together to donate blood and remind each other to donate blood regularly to prolong the lives of thousands of patients who need blood for treatment and emergency care.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Lien (Hac Thanh ward), one of the long-time participants in the blood donation movement, shared: "Since learning about the Red Journey, I have understood more about the importance of blood donation. Since then, every year I have participated in blood donation at the program and local blood donation events, hoping 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 its innovative approach. Each campaign season, the Thanh Hoa Red Journey Organizing Committee proactively develops organizational plans early; coordinating closely with various units to ensure flexible, cost-effective, and efficient organization. Simultaneously, they intensify promotional activities, alongside the proactive, unwavering, and dedicated efforts of medical staff in organizing blood donation drives.
According to Nguyen Quoc Thanh, Chairman of the Provincial Red Cross Society, Deputy Head of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Blood Donation Campaign Steering Committee, and Head of the Organizing Committee of the 2025 Thanh Hoa Red Journey program: “With its humanitarian power and immense appeal, the “Red Journey” program conveys a message that moves millions of people about blood donation, about the meaning of “giving and receiving”; about humanitarian values, sharing, and spreading love from benevolent hearts that will continue to warm the lives of the unfortunate and 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, which received more than 9,000 units of blood and widely spread the noble act of blood donation to the community.”
The Red Journey in Thanh Hoa over the years has been more than just a blood donation program. It's a journey of humanity, of hope and faith kindled by compassionate hearts. It's a beautiful cultural tradition, multiplied in every family, unit, and residential area, from coastal to mountainous regions, from urban to rural areas, a testament to the solidarity, sharing, and profound compassion of the people of Thanh Hoa. And surely, in future Red Journey seasons, thousands of hearts will continue to contribute, so that every drop of blood donated will bring life to tens of thousands of people who need to cling to life every day.
Text and photos: Quynh Chi
Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/ket-noi-cong-dong-lan-toa-yeu-thuong-254734.htm
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