ESG Plans and Goals | Sustainability | Taiwan Blood Services Foundation ESG

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ESG Plans and Goals

Message from TBSF President

Stakeholder Communication

Sustainable Development Goals

Taiwan Blood Services Foundation's Response to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Purpose	Specific Actions of the Taiwan Blood Foundation
Centered on the health of blood donors and the safety of blood use	Health management for blood donors includes: To protect the health of blood donors, for common adverse reactions before, during, and after donation, the foundation has produced a series of educational cards and videos to educate donors. If adverse reactions occur during donation, immediate appropriate medical treatment is provided, and, based on individual needs, referrals are made; if donors experience adverse reactions after leaving the donation site, they can immediately call the notification numbers on the educational cards at various blood centers for assistance. The foundation also continues to follow up and care for donors to ensure their good recovery. From 2024, for donors aged 35 and above who have donated repeatedly within 2 years, the foundation offers one test every three years for total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol (LDL-C), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c); it also provides body mass index (BMI) information in the blood test reports for donors to reference, allowing them to monitor their health to prevent obesity and related chronic diseases, aiding in their self-health management. The "Abdominal Ultrasound Examination Project for High-Frequency Blood Donors" has expanded its target audience. From 2024, the age requirement has been lowered from 40 to 35 years old, and considering the difference in donation volumes between genders, the number of whole blood donations required for women has been reduced from 100 to 70, while for men it remains at 100 or more, and for apheresis, it remains at 500 or more, with an estimated increase of about 5,000 people serviced. Promoting self-care for blood donors, the foundation uses the LINE official account to push various educational videos and materials, reminding donors of care before and after donation, and also promoting post-donation care for first-time donors. Medical staff strictly follow the standard operating procedures (SOP) for blood collection to maintain blood quality and enhance training on needle skills to reduce the incidence of hematoma and bruising in donors. All blood donation operations are insured for public accidents, providing better protection for donors in case of accidents at the donation sites. In response to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on medical capacity, the foundation has strengthened personnel, environmental, and equipment epidemic prevention measures and promotional efforts, ensuring donors can donate blood safely, making the donation process safer, and providing ample medical blood supply. Safety management for blood recipients includes: The foundation promotes the establishment of a non-compensated blood donation system, adhering to principles of fairness, ensuring the supply of medical blood regardless of wealth, to save lives. In 2019, the foundation formally introduced the concept of "Patient Blood Management (PBM)", inviting specialists to compile and revise the original "Essentials of Blood Components" manual, which was officially published in June 2020 as the "Lean Transfusion Handbook", distributed to medical institutions, receiving many feedbacks and suggestions from the medical community, and a second edition was published in 2022, hoping to promote the implementation of patient blood management and address potential concerns of future medical blood shortages. Continuing research on the application of molecular biology in blood banks, thereby providing advantages in blood type genetic typing, assisting in the determination of difficult blood types, supporting clinical medical needs, with results published in international journals and recognized. Establishing a national rare blood type bank, providing support for hospital use and international rare blood type banks. To enhance the quality of transfusions and reduce the risk of transfusion reactions, as of August 2021, all stored pre-reduction leukoreduced red blood cell concentrates are supplied to improve patient blood welfare. Implementing transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) prevention measures, prioritizing male plasma for medical use. When hospital patients need special blood products, they are provided based on existing inventory or the established blood donor database to achieve precise medical goals. Providing proactive and immediate blood delivery services, in addition to supplying blood to major accident sites like the 2018 Hualien earthquake, the derailment of the Puyuma Express near the Xinma station in Su'ao town on the Yilan line in 2018, and the Taroko Express derailment on the North-Link Line in 2021, blood was also sent to the islands of Kinmen and Matsu to ensure blood availability for all recipients in need, providing timely medical assistance. Offering international standard high-quality and affordable blood products such as albumin, immunoglobulins, Factor VIII, Factor IX, and various blood products like red cells, platelets, and plasma, enabling citizens to access safe, effective, high-quality, affordable medications and blood products without the worry of illness. To supply safe medical blood, the foundation conducts various tests on donated blood, including ABO and Rh blood typing, pathogenic serological virus testing (HBsAg, Anti-HCV, HIV Ag/Ab combo, Anti-HTLV), viral nucleic acid testing (HIV, HBV, HCV), biochemical testing (ALT testing), and syphilis serology (specific and non-specific tests), to prevent transfusion-transmitted infections. To shorten the viral testing window period and increase testing sensitivity, since 2013, the foundation has universally implemented NAT testing for medical blood, coupled with existing viral serological testing, using both testing methods simultaneously for HIV, HBV, and HCV, double-checking for safety. From 2013 to the present, no cases of transfusion-transmitted HIV, HCV, or HBV have been detected, significantly enhancing blood safety. To meet the demand for medical blood and improve the quality of transfusions for the populace, the foundation set up three blood consultation laboratories in 2009 to assist medical institutions with blood-related issues. Based on the "Blood Donor Health Standards" and related regulations set by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the foundation carefully assesses the health status of blood donors, providing appropriate deferment periods for those not meeting health standards. If blood donated is found to potentially affect transfusion safety during testing, component manufacturing, or through callback notifications, it is promptly intercepted, isolated, retrieved, and destroyed by foundation doctors to ensure patient blood safety. To strengthen blood testing and implement blood safety, a BSL-2 negative pressure level laboratory was established in 2020, monitoring emerging infectious pathogens, approved by the Central Epidemic Command Center as a designated COVID-19 testing institution; in 2023, approved by the CDC as a recognized dengue virus testing institution, and the same year, awarded the SNQ National Quality Mark (National Product No.: S040016), ensuring transfusion safety.

Purpose

Specific Actions of the Taiwan Blood Foundation

Centered on the health of blood donors and the safety of blood use

Health management for blood donors includes:

To protect the health of blood donors, for common adverse reactions before, during, and after donation, the foundation has produced a series of educational cards and videos to educate donors. If adverse reactions occur during donation, immediate appropriate medical treatment is provided, and, based on individual needs, referrals are made; if donors experience adverse reactions after leaving the donation site, they can immediately call the notification numbers on the educational cards at various blood centers for assistance. The foundation also continues to follow up and care for donors to ensure their good recovery.
From 2024, for donors aged 35 and above who have donated repeatedly within 2 years, the foundation offers one test every three years for total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol (LDL-C), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c); it also provides body mass index (BMI) information in the blood test reports for donors to reference, allowing them to monitor their health to prevent obesity and related chronic diseases, aiding in their self-health management.
The "Abdominal Ultrasound Examination Project for High-Frequency Blood Donors" has expanded its target audience. From 2024, the age requirement has been lowered from 40 to 35 years old, and considering the difference in donation volumes between genders, the number of whole blood donations required for women has been reduced from 100 to 70, while for men it remains at 100 or more, and for apheresis, it remains at 500 or more, with an estimated increase of about 5,000 people serviced.
Promoting self-care for blood donors, the foundation uses the LINE official account to push various educational videos and materials, reminding donors of care before and after donation, and also promoting post-donation care for first-time donors.
Medical staff strictly follow the standard operating procedures (SOP) for blood collection to maintain blood quality and enhance training on needle skills to reduce the incidence of hematoma and bruising in donors.
All blood donation operations are insured for public accidents, providing better protection for donors in case of accidents at the donation sites.
In response to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on medical capacity, the foundation has strengthened personnel, environmental, and equipment epidemic prevention measures and promotional efforts, ensuring donors can donate blood safely, making the donation process safer, and providing ample medical blood supply.

Safety management for blood recipients includes:

The foundation promotes the establishment of a non-compensated blood donation system, adhering to principles of fairness, ensuring the supply of medical blood regardless of wealth, to save lives.
In 2019, the foundation formally introduced the concept of "Patient Blood Management (PBM)", inviting specialists to compile and revise the original "Essentials of Blood Components" manual, which was officially published in June 2020 as the "Lean Transfusion Handbook", distributed to medical institutions, receiving many feedbacks and suggestions from the medical community, and a second edition was published in 2022, hoping to promote the implementation of patient blood management and address potential concerns of future medical blood shortages.
Continuing research on the application of molecular biology in blood banks, thereby providing advantages in blood type genetic typing, assisting in the determination of difficult blood types, supporting clinical medical needs, with results published in international journals and recognized.
Establishing a national rare blood type bank, providing support for hospital use and international rare blood type banks.
To enhance the quality of transfusions and reduce the risk of transfusion reactions, as of August 2021, all stored pre-reduction leukoreduced red blood cell concentrates are supplied to improve patient blood welfare.
Implementing transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) prevention measures, prioritizing male plasma for medical use.
When hospital patients need special blood products, they are provided based on existing inventory or the established blood donor database to achieve precise medical goals.
Providing proactive and immediate blood delivery services, in addition to supplying blood to major accident sites like the 2018 Hualien earthquake, the derailment of the Puyuma Express near the Xinma station in Su'ao town on the Yilan line in 2018, and the Taroko Express derailment on the North-Link Line in 2021, blood was also sent to the islands of Kinmen and Matsu to ensure blood availability for all recipients in need, providing timely medical assistance.
Offering international standard high-quality and affordable blood products such as albumin, immunoglobulins, Factor VIII, Factor IX, and various blood products like red cells, platelets, and plasma, enabling citizens to access safe, effective, high-quality, affordable medications and blood products without the worry of illness.
To supply safe medical blood, the foundation conducts various tests on donated blood, including ABO and Rh blood typing, pathogenic serological virus testing (HBsAg, Anti-HCV, HIV Ag/Ab combo, Anti-HTLV), viral nucleic acid testing (HIV, HBV, HCV), biochemical testing (ALT testing), and syphilis serology (specific and non-specific tests), to prevent transfusion-transmitted infections.
To shorten the viral testing window period and increase testing sensitivity, since 2013, the foundation has universally implemented NAT testing for medical blood, coupled with existing viral serological testing, using both testing methods simultaneously for HIV, HBV, and HCV, double-checking for safety. From 2013 to the present, no cases of transfusion-transmitted HIV, HCV, or HBV have been detected, significantly enhancing blood safety.
To meet the demand for medical blood and improve the quality of transfusions for the populace, the foundation set up three blood consultation laboratories in 2009 to assist medical institutions with blood-related issues.
Based on the "Blood Donor Health Standards" and related regulations set by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the foundation carefully assesses the health status of blood donors, providing appropriate deferment periods for those not meeting health standards. If blood donated is found to potentially affect transfusion safety during testing, component manufacturing, or through callback notifications, it is promptly intercepted, isolated, retrieved, and destroyed by foundation doctors to ensure patient blood safety.
To strengthen blood testing and implement blood safety, a BSL-2 negative pressure level laboratory was established in 2020, monitoring emerging infectious pathogens, approved by the Central Epidemic Command Center as a designated COVID-19 testing institution; in 2023, approved by the CDC as a recognized dengue virus testing institution, and the same year, awarded the SNQ National Quality Mark (National Product No.: S040016), ensuring transfusion safety.

Purpose	Specific Actions of the Taiwan Blood Foundation
Resource Reuse and Response to Ecological Conservation	Each center of the foundation prioritizes the supply of donated blood for medical use. For blood products that do not meet the standards, besides destruction, they can be provided for reuse in research and development by domestic biotech firms under principles of confidentiality; also, helps hospitals transfer blood products close to expiration to other medical institutions, enhancing the utilization rate of blood products. Handles blood products nearing disposal through resource reuse methods to reduce waste and decrease waste generation. Medical waste plastics that pose no infection risk (such as separation sets used in blood donation) are recycled by government-certified resource recycling firms to reduce incineration, lower air pollution, and achieve sustainable resource use. For the transport and storage containers of national blood products, purchases are made of reusable materials instead of environmentally polluting styrofoam, to minimize environmental pollution. The foundation's volunteers, staff, and members of the blood donation sports association organize ecological education promotions such as conservation activities for the Black-faced Spoonbill, helping participants understand the close relationship between personal life and ecological sustainability. Utilizes electronic systems for blood donation registration, electronic medical reports, electronic document management, and online attendance approval to reduce paper printing and mailing, contributing to environmental conservation. Uses food waste processors to ferment into plant fertilizer, achieving resource reuse. Since September 2022, the packaging for blankets used by blood donors has been switched from single-use plastic bags to reusable cloth-based eco-friendly packaging, estimated to reduce the use of 23,980 plastic bags annually. Starting in 2023, organizes a "Spread the Love" blood donation campaign targeted at the youth demographic in collaboration with stray animal associations and conservation organizations such as Zhao Mama Dog Park, encouraging acts of kindness and inviting young people to donate their blood donation memorabilia to help animal conservation groups. Purchases environmentally friendly recycled products, committing to responsible consumption and sustainable procurement.

Purpose

Specific Actions of the Taiwan Blood Foundation

Resource Reuse and Response to Ecological Conservation

Each center of the foundation prioritizes the supply of donated blood for medical use. For blood products that do not meet the standards, besides destruction, they can be provided for reuse in research and development by domestic biotech firms under principles of confidentiality; also, helps hospitals transfer blood products close to expiration to other medical institutions, enhancing the utilization rate of blood products. Handles blood products nearing disposal through resource reuse methods to reduce waste and decrease waste generation.
Medical waste plastics that pose no infection risk (such as separation sets used in blood donation) are recycled by government-certified resource recycling firms to reduce incineration, lower air pollution, and achieve sustainable resource use.
For the transport and storage containers of national blood products, purchases are made of reusable materials instead of environmentally polluting styrofoam, to minimize environmental pollution.
The foundation's volunteers, staff, and members of the blood donation sports association organize ecological education promotions such as conservation activities for the Black-faced Spoonbill, helping participants understand the close relationship between personal life and ecological sustainability.
Utilizes electronic systems for blood donation registration, electronic medical reports, electronic document management, and online attendance approval to reduce paper printing and mailing, contributing to environmental conservation.
Uses food waste processors to ferment into plant fertilizer, achieving resource reuse.
Since September 2022, the packaging for blankets used by blood donors has been switched from single-use plastic bags to reusable cloth-based eco-friendly packaging, estimated to reduce the use of 23,980 plastic bags annually.
Starting in 2023, organizes a "Spread the Love" blood donation campaign targeted at the youth demographic in collaboration with stray animal associations and conservation organizations such as Zhao Mama Dog Park, encouraging acts of kindness and inviting young people to donate their blood donation memorabilia to help animal conservation groups.
Purchases environmentally friendly recycled products, committing to responsible consumption and sustainable procurement.

Purpose	Specific Actions of the Taiwan Blood Foundation
Energy Saving and Creation of a Friendly Environment	In response to environmental sustainability, the foundation has planned to gradually replace the existing medium and large diesel blood donation vehicles at each blood donation center with electric blood donation vehicles. On October 25, 2021, obtained the usage permit for "Fubon No.", the medium-sized electric blood donation vehicle, the first of its kind in Asia. "Fubon No." reduces carbon emissions by 48% per blood collection outing, providing a noise-free, emission-free friendly environment for blood donation. Increased the number of indoor donation sites and stationary vehicles without power to enhance the proportion of fixed-site donations, thereby reducing the duty rate of existing diesel donation vehicles and minimizing exhaust emissions. In November 2023 and January 2024, the Chiayi City Jiuhua Mountain Ksitigarbha Temple and the International Lions Club District 300E1 each donated hybrid blood transport vehicles, reducing carbon emissions while considering a friendly environment and practicing sustainable coexistence. Gradually replacing gasoline administrative vehicles with hybrid or electric vehicles. Promoting digitization of paper processes, the foundation has implemented "Financial Management System", "Human Resources and Payroll System", and "Accounting System", and continues to embrace the digital paperless concept with the establishment of an "Electronic Document System" in 2021 and an "Attendance Online Approval System" in 2022. In 2018, the Blood Management Information System (BMS) went live, replacing traditional paper-based donor registration forms and health questionnaires with tablets or computer input and digital signatures. It also encourages donors to receive their test reports via email, further reducing paper usage. Additionally, the establishment of an online blood ordering system for hospitals has made blood ordering more convenient, timely, and accurate, reducing paper and fax operations. These paperless measures not only improve efficiency but also help achieve the foundation's energy-saving and carbon reduction goals. Blood donation memorabilia/promotional items are planned and produced with an eco-friendly concept. When procuring goods and equipment, priority is given to products with green or energy-saving environmental labels to reduce environmental pollution, such as reducing plastics, using eco-friendly materials, packaging reduction, and products that meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or embody social innovation concepts selected by the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Phasing out old instruments and introducing new devices made of energy-efficient and environmentally friendly materials, such as the Grifols Panther System for nucleic acid testing and Abbott Alinity's System for immunoviral testing, which are multifunctional, space-saving, and used primarily in newly established laboratories. Implementing electronic financial document verification and expense elimination, saving on paper, cartons, toner cartridges, and postage, in response to energy conservation and carbon reduction. In response to the global environmental sustainability action "Earth Hour," promotes turning off lights to love the earth every last Saturday of March from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM. The Kaohsiung Blood Donation Center and all blood donation stations and rooms turn off outdoor advertising signs during this hour to support carbon reduction and love for the earth. In response to green energy and environmental protection, achieving carbon reduction and paperless goals, the following activities are implemented: Setting up QR codes for opinion handling forms at the venue, replacing paper forms. Eliminating paper contact forms and document reading records, adopting online approvals, and digitalizing procurement acceptance documents to reduce paper usage. Educational training and meetings are conducted both in person and via videoconferencing to reduce paper use and travel-related carbon emissions and costs. In the fiscal year 2023, 184 video training sessions and meetings were held with 600 participants via video, saving approximately 800,000 NTD and reducing carbon emissions by 3,423.01 kg CO2 equivalent by not using high-speed rail.

Purpose

Specific Actions of the Taiwan Blood Foundation

Energy Saving and Creation of a Friendly Environment

In response to environmental sustainability, the foundation has planned to gradually replace the existing medium and large diesel blood donation vehicles at each blood donation center with electric blood donation vehicles.
On October 25, 2021, obtained the usage permit for "Fubon No.", the medium-sized electric blood donation vehicle, the first of its kind in Asia. "Fubon No." reduces carbon emissions by 48% per blood collection outing, providing a noise-free, emission-free friendly environment for blood donation.
Increased the number of indoor donation sites and stationary vehicles without power to enhance the proportion of fixed-site donations, thereby reducing the duty rate of existing diesel donation vehicles and minimizing exhaust emissions.
In November 2023 and January 2024, the Chiayi City Jiuhua Mountain Ksitigarbha Temple and the International Lions Club District 300E1 each donated hybrid blood transport vehicles, reducing carbon emissions while considering a friendly environment and practicing sustainable coexistence.
Gradually replacing gasoline administrative vehicles with hybrid or electric vehicles.
Promoting digitization of paper processes, the foundation has implemented "Financial Management System", "Human Resources and Payroll System", and "Accounting System", and continues to embrace the digital paperless concept with the establishment of an "Electronic Document System" in 2021 and an "Attendance Online Approval System" in 2022.
In 2018, the Blood Management Information System (BMS) went live, replacing traditional paper-based donor registration forms and health questionnaires with tablets or computer input and digital signatures. It also encourages donors to receive their test reports via email, further reducing paper usage. Additionally, the establishment of an online blood ordering system for hospitals has made blood ordering more convenient, timely, and accurate, reducing paper and fax operations. These paperless measures not only improve efficiency but also help achieve the foundation's energy-saving and carbon reduction goals.
Blood donation memorabilia/promotional items are planned and produced with an eco-friendly concept. When procuring goods and equipment, priority is given to products with green or energy-saving environmental labels to reduce environmental pollution, such as reducing plastics, using eco-friendly materials, packaging reduction, and products that meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or embody social innovation concepts selected by the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
Phasing out old instruments and introducing new devices made of energy-efficient and environmentally friendly materials, such as the Grifols Panther System for nucleic acid testing and Abbott Alinity's System for immunoviral testing, which are multifunctional, space-saving, and used primarily in newly established laboratories.
Implementing electronic financial document verification and expense elimination, saving on paper, cartons, toner cartridges, and postage, in response to energy conservation and carbon reduction.
In response to the global environmental sustainability action "Earth Hour," promotes turning off lights to love the earth every last Saturday of March from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM. The Kaohsiung Blood Donation Center and all blood donation stations and rooms turn off outdoor advertising signs during this hour to support carbon reduction and love for the earth.
In response to green energy and environmental protection, achieving carbon reduction and paperless goals, the following activities are implemented:
- Setting up QR codes for opinion handling forms at the venue, replacing paper forms.
- Eliminating paper contact forms and document reading records, adopting online approvals, and digitalizing procurement acceptance documents to reduce paper usage.
- Educational training and meetings are conducted both in person and via videoconferencing to reduce paper use and travel-related carbon emissions and costs. In the fiscal year 2023, 184 video training sessions and meetings were held with 600 participants via video, saving approximately 800,000 NTD and reducing carbon emissions by 3,423.01 kg CO2 equivalent by not using high-speed rail.

Purpose	Specific Actions of the Taiwan Blood Foundation
Sustainable operation to establish partnerships and enhance cooperation to improve blood donation services	The Foundation has long participated in the Asia Pacific Blood Network (APBN), exchanging knowledge and experiences with blood donation organizations in 10 countries and regions across Asia-Pacific, enhancing Taiwan's visibility in the international blood business, aligning with global standards, and adopting new technologies and skills. To expand the impact of blood donation awareness, the Foundation has entered into cross-industry collaborations with major benchmark partners such as LINE, FB (Meta), famous animations, celebrities, and artists, to attract public attention to blood donation issues. Strengthening relationships with blood donation groups (such as clubs, companies, businesses, military units, schools, temples) by expressing gratitude and recognition for their blood donation events, maintaining long-term support and enthusiasm. Established a "Hospital Network Operations Platform," allowing medical institutions to order blood, download exchange files, apply for blood consultations, report transfusion reactions online, and check results from blood donation centers, facilitating closer cooperation between medical institutions and blood donation centers to provide better service to patients. Established a "Donor Zone" to provide donors with quick access to information such as blood donation appointments, donation records, test reports, and waiting numbers at donation sites, helping to enhance the effectiveness of blood donations. In line with government policies, established a designated laboratory for COVID-19, helping to enhance domestic testing capacity, conducting safety investigations of blood products, and reporting to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for epidemic monitoring. For cases of infectious diseases such as HIV, HCV, and syphilis detected during blood donation, legally report to the Centers for Disease Control to enhance domestic epidemic prevention effectiveness. In 2016, in collaboration with the Taiwan Society of Blood Transfusion, established the Taiwan Hemovigilance Network (THN) to investigate potential causes of adverse transfusion reactions. Both organizations have worked together to reduce adverse transfusion reactions by managing blood donations and tracing blood products involved in safety issues. The Foundation adopts a "business collaboration with public welfare" model, partnering with other companies and community groups not only to jointly organize blood donation events but also to encourage donations of environmentally friendly blood donation vehicles, providing a more comfortable and healthy environment for donors, also benefiting the corporate image of the partners involved, achieving a win-win result. During the global COVID-19 pandemic, from 2021, the Foundation provided 7,000 specimens each year for three consecutive years to assist the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in epidemiological investigations and monitoring. On June 8, 2023, Dr. Daumantas Gutauskas, Director of the Blood Center of Lithuania, visited the Taipei Blood Donation Center with hopes of strengthening exchanges and cooperation with Taiwan in the future. Both parties expect to continue sharing blood donation and supply experiences, promoting innovations in blood technology, solving challenges in Patient Blood Management (PBM), and contributing to blood safety and health. On August 4, 2023, the Korean Medical Laboratory Technologist Association from Seoul visited the Taipei Blood Donation Center. Through international exchanges, they shared experiences and absorbed new ideas and innovative measures, continually ensuring the quality of blood products. From August 14-17, 2023, the Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service sent two nurses to Taiwan for an exchange of experiences related to apheresis platelet donations and their management issues. On October 20, 2023, during the blood transport vehicle donation ceremony for "Yide No. 2," the former president of the Japanese Toyama Future Society, which also participated in the ceremony and tour of the Taipei Blood Donation Center, expressed his admiration for the donation of the blood transport vehicle and discussed emulating similar initiatives in Japan after returning. On December 5, 2023, the Overseas Community Affairs Council organized the "Overseas Youth Taiwan Observation Group" to visit the Taipei Blood Donation Center to understand related issues and exchange views on Taiwan's national blood supply and use, as well as to learn about the blood donation process.

Purpose

Specific Actions of the Taiwan Blood Foundation

Sustainable operation to establish partnerships and enhance cooperation to improve blood donation services

The Foundation has long participated in the Asia Pacific Blood Network (APBN), exchanging knowledge and experiences with blood donation organizations in 10 countries and regions across Asia-Pacific, enhancing Taiwan's visibility in the international blood business, aligning with global standards, and adopting new technologies and skills.
To expand the impact of blood donation awareness, the Foundation has entered into cross-industry collaborations with major benchmark partners such as LINE, FB (Meta), famous animations, celebrities, and artists, to attract public attention to blood donation issues.
Strengthening relationships with blood donation groups (such as clubs, companies, businesses, military units, schools, temples) by expressing gratitude and recognition for their blood donation events, maintaining long-term support and enthusiasm.
Established a "Hospital Network Operations Platform," allowing medical institutions to order blood, download exchange files, apply for blood consultations, report transfusion reactions online, and check results from blood donation centers, facilitating closer cooperation between medical institutions and blood donation centers to provide better service to patients.
Established a "Donor Zone" to provide donors with quick access to information such as blood donation appointments, donation records, test reports, and waiting numbers at donation sites, helping to enhance the effectiveness of blood donations.
In line with government policies, established a designated laboratory for COVID-19, helping to enhance domestic testing capacity, conducting safety investigations of blood products, and reporting to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for epidemic monitoring.
For cases of infectious diseases such as HIV, HCV, and syphilis detected during blood donation, legally report to the Centers for Disease Control to enhance domestic epidemic prevention effectiveness.
In 2016, in collaboration with the Taiwan Society of Blood Transfusion, established the Taiwan Hemovigilance Network (THN) to investigate potential causes of adverse transfusion reactions. Both organizations have worked together to reduce adverse transfusion reactions by managing blood donations and tracing blood products involved in safety issues.
The Foundation adopts a "business collaboration with public welfare" model, partnering with other companies and community groups not only to jointly organize blood donation events but also to encourage donations of environmentally friendly blood donation vehicles, providing a more comfortable and healthy environment for donors, also benefiting the corporate image of the partners involved, achieving a win-win result.
During the global COVID-19 pandemic, from 2021, the Foundation provided 7,000 specimens each year for three consecutive years to assist the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in epidemiological investigations and monitoring.
On June 8, 2023, Dr. Daumantas Gutauskas, Director of the Blood Center of Lithuania, visited the Taipei Blood Donation Center with hopes of strengthening exchanges and cooperation with Taiwan in the future. Both parties expect to continue sharing blood donation and supply experiences, promoting innovations in blood technology, solving challenges in Patient Blood Management (PBM), and contributing to blood safety and health.
On August 4, 2023, the Korean Medical Laboratory Technologist Association from Seoul visited the Taipei Blood Donation Center. Through international exchanges, they shared experiences and absorbed new ideas and innovative measures, continually ensuring the quality of blood products.
From August 14-17, 2023, the Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service sent two nurses to Taiwan for an exchange of experiences related to apheresis platelet donations and their management issues.
On October 20, 2023, during the blood transport vehicle donation ceremony for "Yide No. 2," the former president of the Japanese Toyama Future Society, which also participated in the ceremony and tour of the Taipei Blood Donation Center, expressed his admiration for the donation of the blood transport vehicle and discussed emulating similar initiatives in Japan after returning.
On December 5, 2023, the Overseas Community Affairs Council organized the "Overseas Youth Taiwan Observation Group" to visit the Taipei Blood Donation Center to understand related issues and exchange views on Taiwan's national blood supply and use, as well as to learn about the blood donation process.

Purpose	Actions taken by Taiwan Blood Services Foundation
Sustainable operations integration Diversified partnerships Collaboration to improve blood service	We have long been participated in the Asia Pacific Blood Network (APBN). Through the exchange, sharing and communication of knowledge and experience with member institutions in the Asia Pacific region, we raise the visibility of Taiwan's blood business in the world, connect with the world and learn new technology and skills. Asia Pacific Blood Network (APBN), established in 2006, currently has membership includes Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, Beijing, Macau, Thailand and other countries as its members, as well as TBSF. The mission of APBN is mainly to promote voluntary blood donation in the Asia-Pacific region so that patients can obtain safe, enough, effective, and cost-effective blood and products. The quality of blood is improved among members through regular meetings and communication with APBN, the knowledge exchange, policy cooperation, and practical operation process comparison and improvement. To expand the effect of blood donation, we collaborate with large-scale partners in different industries, such as LINE, Facebook (FB) and other international enterprises, as well as well-known animation, celebrity or entertainer, to attract more people's attention to blood donation issues. We strengthen the relationship management with blood donation groups (such as clubs, companies, agencies, military units, schools, and temples), thank and praise blood drives, and maintain good interaction. The "Hospital online blood ordering" has been constructed, where medical institutions can order blood online, download electronic media exchange files, apply for blood consultation services, file blood transfusion reactions, blood transfusion infection surveys, and inquire the results of blood centers online to protect patient health in cooperation. In line with the government's policy, a designated laboratory for COVID-19 was established to assist in building the capacity for domestic testing, carrying out blood product safety surveys, and reporting to the Centers for Disease Control for pandemic prevention monitoring. HIV, HBV and other infectious diseases found in blood donation are reported to the Centers for Disease Control according to the law to improve the domestic virus prevention efficiency. We continue to exchange views and learn from neighboring blood centers in Asia Pacific (including Singapore Blood Center, and Changsha, Jiangsu, and Guangzhou Blood Centers in China) on blood testing and blood donor recruitment. We have signed a cooperation agreement with Qingdao Blood Center in China to exchange and learn to facilitate cooperation and sustain business partnership. In 2021, the Rotary International Club reported the status of blood donation in Taiwan through the large-scale blood donation vehicle (DAFA Rotary 2) for International Headquarters and shared the results of blood recruitment with the sister Rotary Club in Korea. The medical technologist from Solomon Islands and senior nursing staff of the Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Service Center visited the blood centers of our Foundation to exchange blood source recruitment and donation operating procedures on September 20, 2012 and November 27, 2019, respectively. On December 16-17, 2019, the Division of Bioethics Policy, Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Korean Red Cross Blood Services (KRCBS) sent staff to visit the blood donation center of our Foundation. Key learning points included: Blood donation recruitment, blood safety management system and GMP. On-site visits to blood donation rooms, vehicles, and blood drives were also arranged. On December 12, 2018, we hosted the 5th Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Blood Safety Policy Forum. A total of 42 representatives from 16 economies visited the Taipei Blood Donation Center to learn more about the effectiveness of high-efficiency centralized testing and blood processing. On May 4, 2018, personnel from blood centers in Malaysia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia paid a visit to the Taipei Blood Donation Center.

Purpose

Actions taken by Taiwan Blood Services Foundation

Sustainable operations integration Diversified partnerships Collaboration to improve blood service

We have long been participated in the Asia Pacific Blood Network (APBN). Through the exchange, sharing and communication of knowledge and experience with member institutions in the Asia Pacific region, we raise the visibility of Taiwan's blood business in the world, connect with the world and learn new technology and skills. Asia Pacific Blood Network (APBN), established in 2006, currently has membership includes Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, Beijing, Macau, Thailand and other countries as its members, as well as TBSF. The mission of APBN is mainly to promote voluntary blood donation in the Asia-Pacific region so that patients can obtain safe, enough, effective, and cost-effective blood and products. The quality of blood is improved among members through regular meetings and communication with APBN, the knowledge exchange, policy cooperation, and practical operation process comparison and improvement.
To expand the effect of blood donation, we collaborate with large-scale partners in different industries, such as LINE, Facebook (FB) and other international enterprises, as well as well-known animation, celebrity or entertainer, to attract more people's attention to blood donation issues.
We strengthen the relationship management with blood donation groups (such as clubs, companies, agencies, military units, schools, and temples), thank and praise blood drives, and maintain good interaction.
The "Hospital online blood ordering" has been constructed, where medical institutions can order blood online, download electronic media exchange files, apply for blood consultation services, file blood transfusion reactions, blood transfusion infection surveys, and inquire the results of blood centers online to protect patient health in cooperation.
In line with the government's policy, a designated laboratory for COVID-19 was established to assist in building the capacity for domestic testing, carrying out blood product safety surveys, and reporting to the Centers for Disease Control for pandemic prevention monitoring.
HIV, HBV and other infectious diseases found in blood donation are reported to the Centers for Disease Control according to the law to improve the domestic virus prevention efficiency.
We continue to exchange views and learn from neighboring blood centers in Asia Pacific (including Singapore Blood Center, and Changsha, Jiangsu, and Guangzhou Blood Centers in China) on blood testing and blood donor recruitment. We have signed a cooperation agreement with Qingdao Blood Center in China to exchange and learn to facilitate cooperation and sustain business partnership.
In 2021, the Rotary International Club reported the status of blood donation in Taiwan through the large-scale blood donation vehicle (DAFA Rotary 2) for International Headquarters and shared the results of blood recruitment with the sister Rotary Club in Korea.
The medical technologist from Solomon Islands and senior nursing staff of the Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Service Center visited the blood centers of our Foundation to exchange blood source recruitment and donation operating procedures on September 20, 2012 and November 27, 2019, respectively.
On December 16-17, 2019, the Division of Bioethics Policy, Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Korean Red Cross Blood Services (KRCBS) sent staff to visit the blood donation center of our Foundation. Key learning points included: Blood donation recruitment, blood safety management system and GMP. On-site visits to blood donation rooms, vehicles, and blood drives were also arranged.
On December 12, 2018, we hosted the 5th Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Blood Safety Policy Forum. A total of 42 representatives from 16 economies visited the Taipei Blood Donation Center to learn more about the effectiveness of high-efficiency centralized testing and blood processing.
On May 4, 2018, personnel from blood centers in Malaysia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia paid a visit to the Taipei Blood Donation Center.

Short-, medium-, and Long-term Sustainable Development Plans

In response to the national policy of "2050 Net-Zero Transition," the Sustainable Development Committee of our organization is chaired by the Chairman of the Board, with members including heads of various departments and blood donation centers as well as experts with specialized knowledge in sustainability. The committee refers to various international standards such as SASB, TCFD, AA1000, SDGs, the United Nations Global Compact, and ISO26000. Plans for ESG-related short, medium, and long-term projects are developed by our organization and each blood donation center, based on the consensus of the heads and the priorities set by the Sustainable Development Committee meetings. Each unit proposes its plans, tailored to its responsibilities, nature of work, and local considerations, which are then implemented following approval by the unit head and subsequent review by our organization. Progress is tracked and reviewed every quarter and semi-annually during the Sustainable Development Committee meetings. Reports are presented, reviewed, and future work priorities discussed annually during the management consensus workshops to ensure consensus through adequate communication and discussion, facilitating smooth execution of all plans. In addition to ongoing projects, future planning will focus on the following short, medium, and long-term projects:

Item	Content	Goal	Expected Effects and Impact
Medical Waste Recycling and Reuse (Taichung Blood Center)	Recycling plastic medical waste such as separation kits and leukoreduction filters	Approximately 28% of total medical waste generated monthly, nearly 2,300 kg	Estimated monthly reduction in medical waste transportation costs by nearly NT$37,950, saving annually about NT$455,400 and reducing 27,600 kg of medical waste
Establishment of Donation Room (Kaohsiung Blood Center)	Establishment of a donation room	Establishment of the "Jiuru Donation Room"	Establishment of the Jiuru Donation Room will cancel about 52 bloodmobile outings, reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions
Digitization of Office Operations & Paper Reduction Video Conferencing	Implementation of a knowledge document management system and electronic form operation platform, establishment of an electronic document system, paper reduction program continuation, and implementation of Power BI digital dashboards	Complete implementation of the knowledge document management system and digitization of paper forms Full implementation of the electronic document system with online document approval reaching 45% Implementation of digital conferencing reaching 40% Reduction of paper usage by 20%	Digital document management system facilitates knowledge management and sharing, and the introduction of an electronic form approval system fully digitizes form setup and approval processes, thereby significantly enhancing work efficiency, simplifying management processes, and saving both human and time resources Online document approval rate reaches 45% Digital conferencing rate reaches 40% Reduction in paper usage by 20%
Purchasing Green Products	Selecting green products with environmental labels, water-saving, and energy-saving certifications	Accounting for over 5% of the total procurement amount	Enhanced purchasing of green products reduces carbon emissions
Introduction of Automated Material Handling Equipment (Taichung Blood Center)	Evaluating automated handling equipment to reduce non-core labor	Use of technological equipment to replace repetitive manual labor	Reducing potential injuries and non-core labor associated with manual handling
Complete Implementation of Electronic Financial Document Voucher Verification	Subsidizing each center for expense verification data, fully transitioning to electronic accounting vouchers, replacing postal mailed paper payment vouchers and other verification documents	Each center eliminates approximately 80 postal deliveries per year for voucher transport, achieving 100% transportation savings Each center eliminates the need for photocopying verification documents, saving about 5,200 sheets of paper and toner cartridges per year The main office saves storage space for verification documents and storage box usage by 100%	Electronic verification of documents saves management processes and storage space Elimination of postal deliveries aligns with energy-saving and carbon reduction efforts Saving paper, storage boxes, and toner cartridges reduces carbon emissions Accounting vouchers are electronically processed through the "Electronic Document System," implementing online signature procedures and electronic exchanges, striving towards paperless goals
Replacement of Diesel Blood Transport Vehicles (Kaohsiung Blood Center)	Replacement with hybrid transport vehicles	Replace 3 diesel transport vehicles with hybrid vehicles	Reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions

Electricity improvement for Love Building
(Tainan and Kaohsiung Centers)

Item	Content	Goal	Expected Effects and Impact
Promotion of Food Bank Support (Taichung Blood Center)	Donations of goods from clubs or businesses	At least 20 donation projects per year (any quantity)	Coordinate promotional activities or discussions to promote food donations and help educate vulnerable groups, aiming to achieve the goal of ending hunger
Gradual Replacement of Official Vehicles with Hybrids (or Electric)	Phase out older vehicles annually and replace them with green products (switch to hybrid or purely electric vehicles)	From 2024, official vehicles to be 50% hybrid (or electric) By 2027, 70% of administrative vehicles to be hybrid or electric	Gradual replacement of old vehicles with green products to reduce carbon emissions
Electronic and Reduced Paper Office Operations Video Conferencing	Set up an electronic document system, implement a paper reduction strategy, and adopt electronic office operations	Electronic conversion rate of SOP paper forms reaches 60% Online document signing rate reaches 70% Electronic meeting rate reaches 60% Reduce paper usage by 50%	Electronic and reduced paper office operations decrease carbon emissions
Electricity Improvement in Love Building (Kaohsiung Blood Center)	Installation of energy storage devices (Delta Energy Storage System)	Stable electricity usage of 250KW	The contracted electricity for the Love Building is 350KW, with average peak daytime usage around 300KW, and off-peak nighttime usage about 200KW; the addition of energy storage devices stores off-peak and solar energy for stable supply. Application to reduce the contracted electricity by 100KW will save base electricity fees (NT$223.6 per KW × 100KW × 4 months + NT$166.9 per KW × 100KW × 8 months) = NT$222,960 per year In case of power outages, the energy storage devices combined with generators ensure that critical instruments face no risk of momentary power disruption

Project	Content	Goal	Expected Effects and Impact	Corresponding SDGs
Replacement of Diesel Bloodmobiles (Various Blood Centers)	Gradually replace existing diesel bloodmobiles with new energy-type eco-friendly vehicles such as electric or hydrogen-powered vehicles.	Replace 16 diesel bloodmobiles with 'hybrid' or 'all-electric' models.	Reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions, estimated annual reduction of 72,457.6 kg of CO2 equivalent emissions.
New Building Green Construction Project (Taipei Blood Center)	Greening volume Day-to-day energy conservation CO2 reduction Waste reduction Indoor environment design Water resource conservation Sewage and waste improvement	Use 20% low-energy recyclable building materials Use 20% local materials Reduce construction waste by 15% Design water resources to reduce daily water use by 50% Plan to save over 300 tons of water annually	Energy-efficient lighting and ventilation that incorporates green building design principles emphasizing harmony with nature. Increase site green coverage and permeable paving area to reduce environmental impact.

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