Former lawmaker Choi Jae-hyung recently donated blood. Blood donation is possible until the age of 69, and this year is the last year that former lawmaker Choi can donate blood.
According to the Korean Red Cross on the 23rd, former lawmaker Choi participated in a blood donation ceremony at the Seodaemun Center of the Blood Donation House established in the annex of the Seoul Red Cross Hospital in Jongno-gu on the 21st.
Blood donation is possible for individuals aged 16 to 69. Those over 65 must have previous experience donating blood between the ages of 60 and 64 to participate. Former lawmaker Choi met this criterion and participated in the blood donation on that day. The Korean Red Cross noted, "This has become an example of demonstrating the significance of blood donation among the elderly."
Former lawmaker Choi said, "It is very meaningful that anyone can participate in saving lives regardless of age," adding, "Blood donation is the most direct activity for life-saving that anyone can practice, and I hope the culture of blood donation spreads across generations."
The Korean Red Cross explained that the phenomenon of declining birth rates has resulted in fewer young people participating in blood donation, particularly among individuals in their 10s and 20s. It emphasized that middle-aged individuals over 30 must voluntarily participate in blood donation to stabilize blood supply.
The newly opened Seodaemun Center of the Blood Donation House covers an area of 183 square meters, aiming to receive 40 donors per day and about 14,000 donors annually. The opening ceremony was attended by Kim Cheol-soo, president of the Korean Red Cross, Kim Kwon-ki, deputy district head of Jongno-gu, Ra Do-kyun, chair of the Jongno District Council, and Kwon So-young, head of the Blood Management Headquarters of the Korean Red Cross.