The message will be seen by millions of people each year who register for a new driving license, in the hopes to encourage young drivers to become blood donors
In a bid to boost the number of blood donors, people applying for a driving licence will be encouraged to register as blood donors. This new initiative is expected to reach millions each year.
Following their driving licence applications, applicants will receive an email with a link to register as a blood donor and a message highlighting the life-saving impact of blood donation. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) hope this move will inspire more young people to become regular blood donors.
NHSBT emphasised that over half of regular blood donors are over 45, stressing the need for younger donors to ensure future blood supplies. Individuals can donate from the age of 17 and register from 16.
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NHSBT hopes this initiative will build on its successful organ donor partnership with the DVLA. Since 1994, the driving licence application has included an option to join the organ donor register.
Approximately 70% of those registered did so through this prompt, according to NHSBT. Hospitals across England require 5,000 blood donations daily to treat patients with various conditions, including traumatic injury, childbirth, blood disorders and cancer treatments.
Maisie Marsh, 17, has received over 100 transfusions throughout her life. Maisie, who suffers from a rare blood disorder known as pyruvate kinase deficiency, expressed her hope that the initiative will inspire more youngsters to become blood donors. The teaching assistant from Liverpool, who is eager to learn to drive soon, relies on blood transfusions to alleviate her symptoms and enable her to lead a normal life.
“Many people my age probably haven’t thought of giving blood. Having the option to sign up when applying for a driving licence is a good way to get the message out to people who are the right age to start donating,” she said. “I know first-hand the difference blood donors make. Transfusions were vital for me to grow and thrive when I was young and now they help me to stay well and lead a normal life.”
Maisie continued: “People mostly associate blood transfusions with emergencies but every day there are so many people like me who need blood for ongoing conditions. My family and I are always asking people to give blood if they can. It’s so easy, and you save lives.”
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Altaf Kazi, assistant partnerships director for NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “At 17 you can both learn to drive and start giving blood, so this new partnership with the DVLA is a fantastic opportunity for the NHS to reach more younger people who have a lifetime of donating ahead of them.”
“More than half of our regular donors are aged over 45. We need more young people to become regular donors to ensure lifesaving blood is there for patients who need it now and in the future. Giving blood is quick and easy. In just one hour you can save up to three lives. Please register and book your first appointment today.”
Tim Moss, DVLA chief executive, expressed: “We’re proud to support NHS Blood and Transplant in encouraging more young people to become blood donors. With millions of driving licence applications processed each year, DVLA is in a unique position to help raise awareness and make it easier for people to take that first step.”
“This simple addition to our digital services could help save lives. Younger donors are vital to the future of the blood supply, and we’re pleased to play a part in helping more of them get involved.”
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