Vietnamese Man Donates Blood 83 Times, Saves Lives & Receives National Honor
- For nearly two decades, Nguyen Hoa Phong has been a dedicated blood donor, quietly saving lives with a rare blood type.
- Phong began donating in 2004 after a Red Cross campaign in what was then Tay Ninh province.
- The importance of O negative blood was underscored in a late 2015 emergency at Cho Ray Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City.
For nearly two decades, Nguyen Hoa Phong has been a dedicated blood donor, quietly saving lives with a rare blood type. His commitment, spanning 83 donations as of , exemplifies the profound impact of regular blood donation, particularly for individuals with uncommon blood groups.
Mr. Phong began donating in 2004 after a Red Cross campaign in what was then Tay Ninh province. Initially apprehensive about needles, he overcame his fear, recognizing the critical need for blood and the potential to help others. “I used to only take medicine when I was sick because I was very afraid of needles,” he explained. “When I donated blood for the first time, I had to close my eyes tightly to relieve the fear. I was a little worried when I got home, but after a few days I was fine. Since then, I have donated blood every year, 83 times so far.” His blood type, O- (O negative), is particularly valuable as it is considered the universal donor, compatible with all other blood types and often crucial in emergency situations.
The importance of O negative blood was underscored in a late 2015 emergency at Cho Ray Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. A man severely injured in a traffic accident required a massive blood transfusion, but no compatible O negative blood was immediately available. Hospital staff contacted Mr. Phong, knowing his consistent donation record. He immediately responded, interrupting his work as a construction worker to provide four units of blood to the patient. “It was around 9 a.m. I was working as a construction worker near my house when I received a call informing me of an emergency. I immediately went home to prepare everything and took the ambulance from the hospital,” he recalled. The timely transfusion was instrumental in stabilizing the patient, who ultimately recovered. Mr. Phong humbly declined any gifts or recognition from the patient’s family, stating, “I think everyone in this situation would choose to save someone. Because human lives are the most valuable thing.”
Maintaining his health to remain eligible to donate is a priority for Mr. Phong. He leads an active lifestyle, balancing physical labor with a balanced diet. Nguyen Van Man, a neighbor, described him as “very friendly, cheerful and always helpful,” noting his commitment to healthy eating in hopes of continuing his donations for years to come.
Mr. Phong’s dedication extends beyond his individual donations. He is an active member of the Southeast Region Blood Donor Club, advocating for increased blood donation awareness and encouraging others to participate. His commitment has inspired his family. his wife has donated five times, and his two sons, Nguyen Hoang Phu and Nguyen Hoang Tuoi, have donated six and seven times respectively – both sons also share the rare O negative blood type.
His contributions have not gone unnoticed. Nguyen Thanh Cuong, Chairman of the Red Cross Association of Chau Thanh Municipality, lauded Mr. Phong as “an outstanding example of humanitarian blood donation in the region.” He received a certificate of commendation from the People’s Committee of the former Tay Ninh Province for his numerous donations. In 2016, he was honored in Hanoi with the Ho Chi Minh Badge from the Prime Minister and a commemorative medal from the Central Committee of the Vietnamese Red Cross.
Mr. Phong’s story highlights the critical role of volunteer blood donors in sustaining healthcare systems. While the need for blood is constant, the availability of rare blood types like O negative can be particularly challenging. Regular blood donation, even from individuals without rare blood types, is essential to ensure an adequate supply for patients undergoing surgery, managing chronic illnesses, or facing traumatic injuries. The commitment of individuals like Mr. Phong underscores the life-saving power of a single donation and the importance of fostering a culture of voluntary blood donation within communities.
The National ‘Red Journey’ campaign, striving to collect at least 120,000 units of blood, demonstrates a national effort to bolster blood supplies. Individuals like Nguyen Ngoc Thanh, who has donated 64 times, further exemplify the dedication of Vietnamese citizens to this vital cause. These collective efforts are crucial for meeting the ongoing demand for blood and ensuring that life-saving transfusions are available when and where they are needed.