He said voluntary blood donation saves the lives of women during child birth and  would as well reduce maternal mortality and help those patients that are suffering from blood related diseases such as sickle cell anaemia, victims of gunshots injuries, and accidents victims amongst others.
The vice chairman said the organization was emphasizing on young donors who would willingly donate blood to save lives, adding that it was regrettable that the country needs about two million units of blood annually but what is currently collected is about 25,000 units of blood yearly.
According to him, the perception that a person can die while donating blood is not true, rather blood donation makes the donor healthier and strong  saying, “the Nigeria Red Cross Society, Anambra State, therefore, urges you to donate blood at least twice a year to save lives.” 
He recalled that during the Onitsha tanker fire incident, which claimed over 69 lives and injured 50 people , some hospitals were unwilling to admit some of the victims due to lack of blood to give them instant and necessary attention. 
In a related development, the  International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent  Societies (IFRC) and Nigeria Red Cross Society, Anambra State Chapter have donated hygiene materials to 713 households in Anambra West Council for cholera prevention.
The donation was made to three communities hit by cholera in March in the council area; Inoma, Owelle and Ukwala.
Justice Paul Obidigwe (rtd) and Prof. Peter Katchy, who are the chairman and vice chairman of Red Cross Society in Anambra respectively, made the presentation on behalf of the IFRC and the organisation’s Anambra chapter in Inoma community recently.
The presentation of the items signals the flag-off of distribution of materials on the ongoing Red Cross Cholera Intervention in Anambra. The Red Cross boss disclosed that the Red Cross had trained 30 community-based volunteers on cholera sensitization and prevention.

SOurce: By Beatrice Onuchukwu Awka , Daily Trust, Aug 25th.