On Thursday, 26 January 2026, the Division of Legal and Corporate Communications and the Corporate Communication Division of Khon Kaen University, in collaboration with the Central Blood Bank, Faculty of Medicine, organised the 16th Mobile Blood Donation Drive at the Office of the President. The event saw strong participation from administrators, personnel, students, and members of the general public, gathering at the first-floor lobby of the Sirikunakorn Building, Office of the President, Khon Kaen University.
The primary objective of this project was to replenish the blood reserve at Srinagarind Hospital and ensure preparedness for emergency situations. By holding the mobile donation drive at the Office of the President, the University provided easily accessible opportunities for personnel and local residents to donate. During this session, 70 individuals registered to donate blood, with 59 passing the screening criteria, resulting in a total collection of 23,600 cc of blood. Notably, eight of the participants were first-time donors.
Associate Professor Dr. Jutaporn Sawaengkaew, Acting Deputy Director of the Coordinating Center for the Plant Genetic Conservation Project Under the Royal Initiation of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn – Khon Kaen University (RSPGKKU), who donated blood at the event, shared her experience. She revealed that this was her fourth donation. Initially, she was afraid of needles but felt she should try. After undergoing the screening, which confirmed her blood values were suitable, she successfully completed her first donation. She has since donated at the Central Blood Bank at Srinagarind Hospital three more times.
“Before, I thought I wouldn’t be able to donate because I was worried my blood concentration wouldn’t be high enough. I feared wasting resources if the bag wasn’t full, and I was nervous about fainting. However, when I learned there was an option for a smaller blood bag, I tried it. It worked, and that built my confidence,” Associate Professor Dr. Jutaporn explained. “The feeling of giving is tremendous. Blood cannot be artificially synthesised; it must come from people. Therefore, donating blood is truly a valuable act of giving.”
Associate Professor Dr. Jutaporn added that organising mobile blood drives is an effective strategy for reaching new donors. “Having the mobile unit come directly to the premises offers an opportunity for people who might not consider going to the hospital to try it out. When they see the vehicle parked here, they become interested and think it’s worth a shot. This approach differs significantly from going to the hospital, which requires dedicated effort. For those who find hospital visits inconvenient, a mobile service increases the chances of donation.”
Finally, Associate Professor Dr. Jutaporn encouraged healthy individuals: “I urge everyone in good health not to be afraid. Come in and try, but ensure you prepare adequately: get enough sleep, drink plenty of water, and ensure you have no underlying blood disorders. If you are unsure, try asking for the small bag first. Blood donation is one of the most invaluable gifts, a genuine way to save another person’s life.”
The University continuously organises this blood donation project every three months at the first-floor lobby of the Sirikunakorn Building, Office of the President, Khon Kaen University. Updates on the next donation schedule can be followed on www.kku.ac.th or by contacting the Corporate Communication Division, Khon Kaen University, at 043 202 204
