The Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service (BTS) held its Annual Blood Donor Award Ceremony on Sunday, marking World Blood Donor Day, with more than 4,000 regular donors recognised for reaching significant donation milestones.
In the 2025/26 period, 4,076 donors reached the threshold of donating blood 25 times or in multiples of 25, according to the Hospital Authority, which issued the announcement on behalf of the BTS. This marks the second consecutive year that the number of award recipients has exceeded 4,000, reflecting sustained community engagement with blood donation programmes across the city.
The ceremony was officiated by the Under Secretary for Health, Dr Cecilia Fan; the Chairman of the Hospital Authority, Mr Henry Fan; the Chairman of the Hong Kong Red Cross, Dr Lau Chor-chiu; and the Chairman of the BTS Hospital Governing Committee, Mr Ignatius Chan.
Over 122,000 donors contributed blood during the year, providing nearly 210,000 units. After processing and laboratory testing at BTS facilities, more than 356,000 units of various blood products were supplied to public hospitals across Hong Kong for clinical treatment, including surgery, trauma care, and management of blood disorders.
Dr Cecilia Fan said the BTS aims to collect 650 units of blood daily to maintain a stable and safe supply for hospitals, and called on the public, particularly young people, to donate for the first time and develop a habit of regular donation. Mr Henry Fan noted that many Hospital Authority staff serve as both healthcare workers and regular blood donors, contributing to the system they work within.
The BTS also presented Elite Partnership Awards to 31 organisations across corporate, community, and academic sectors for supporting blood donation initiatives. Corporate recipients included Prudential Hong Kong, Sun Hung Kai Properties, Sino Group, HSBC, Bank of China (Hong Kong), and Standard Chartered Bank. Community partners recognised included the Scout Association of Hong Kong, Lions Clubs International, and Rotary International. Universities honoured were The University of Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and Hong Kong Baptist University. Ten secondary schools also received awards.
In operational developments, the BTS has opened a short-term "pop-up" donor centre in Tseung Kwan O — the first of its kind — and relocated the Yuen Long Donor Centre to a larger venue in June this year. Both initiatives are designed to improve donor accessibility, shorten waiting times, and offer a more comfortable donation environment in areas with growing populations.
The event coincides with World Blood Donor Day, observed globally on June 14 each year to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products. Hong Kong's blood supply is managed solely by the BTS, which collects, screens, tests, and distributes all blood products to public hospitals in the territory. The service operates multiple permanent donor centres across Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories, alongside mobile collection teams that visit community venues and schools.
Appointments for blood donation can be made through the "HK Blood" mobile application or by contacting BTS donor centres directly.
Sources: HKSAR Government
