On February 3, a mobile blood drive was held in front of the west entrance of Palaceside Building ＝top photo: inside the blood donation bus. It was arranged urgently after an unexpected surge in demand at year-end sharply reduced blood stocks; ultimately 74 people registered and 54 donated. Thank you very much for your cooperation.
We normally hold drives in spring and autumn each year, but this time stock was critically low and the event was decided at short notice. With little time to publicize, we were worried, but unlike the day before when cold winds blew, the weather was relatively mild for the season
so reception barely let up all day ＝photo right—among the best single-day totals in recent years. Relief.
Since last year the registration procedure has changed slightly: experienced donors who used cards and PINs for identity verification now also have "biometric (finger-vein) authentication." Having registered at the previous session (September last year), this time I simply placed my right middle finger in the reader—no agonizing over "what was my PIN?" Easy. Questionnaires at registration no longer require paper; a dedicated touch-panel tablet completes them smoothly. Very good.
We do not yet know when the next drive will be, but we hope for your cooperation again.