Summary
Applicants for driving licenses will be encouraged to donate blood through a new campaign by the DVLA and NHS Blood and Transplant in England. This initiative aims to increase blood donations by targeting young people during the application process. With blood shortages and high demand for donations, the scheme hopes to mirror past success seen with organ donor registration.
Key Facts
- Driving license applicants in England will be encouraged to donate blood.
- The campaign is a joint effort by the DVLA and NHS Blood and Transplant.
- Applicants will receive a link to register as blood donors in their emails.
- The campaign targets young people as most current blood donors are over 45.
- People can start donating blood at age 17 and can register at 16.
- Hospitals need 5,000 blood donations daily for various treatments.
- The NHS issued an "amber alert" due to low blood stocks last year.
- There is a critical need for more donors, especially those with O negative blood.
