Changsha subway gets bloody, in a good way

Signs illustrating proper blood donation procedures are posted in the themed subway in Changsha. [Photo/changsha.cn]

China's first blood donation-themed subway hit the road in Changsha on Jan 28.

The "Blood Baby", a chili-shaped cartoon character created by the Hunan Blood Center and Changsha Blood Center, can be seen everywhere on subway Line 2.

The character is based on a red chili pepper, a favorite among locals, while also resembling a blood drop. Blood red mixed with a clean doctor-coat white has resulted in the cute pink-colored "Blood Babies". The Blood Babies are a family of four, and they represent the four types of blood: A, B, AB and O.

Zuo Zhengrong, deputy director of the Hunan Blood Center and Changsha Blood Center, said that creating a blood-themed train would save many lives, as it encouraged people to donate blood to those in need. Many people ride the subway every day, so loads of people will have the chance to learn about blood donation and be moved by stories of selfless blood donors, which are posted around the train.

The blood donation-themed subway, filled with cartoon images, has inspired enthusiasm among children. [Photo/changsha.cn]

The themed train has been popular among riders, who have described the Blood Babies as adorable. People can learn all about blood and the importance of donating on their way to eat, work, or meet up with friends.

There were over 160,000 voluntary blood donors in Changsha in 2018, much more than the 6,132 in 1998. In the past 20 years, more than 2 million volunteers have donated blood, making Changsha the nation's six-time leading blood donation city.

Security related to blood use has been greatly strengthened in Changsha over the past two decades. The Changsha Blood Center ranks first in China for its professional skills, nucleic acid tests for blood, blood storage, and more. It guarantees a safe environment for clinical blood use and boasts zero blood test or blood use mishaps in recent history.

The themed subway lends a helping hand to the people of Changsha during the frigid winter. [Photo/changsha.cn]