Taipei's Neihu Technology Park hosts annual blood drive

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) attended the 15th annual Neihu Technology Park Blood Donation Drive on Wednesday, praising the event that attracts 1,000 donors each year and has collected more than 40,000 units of blood since its inception.

Chiang, a regular participant, thanked organizers and employees at Neihu Technology Park for supporting the annual event. He said that every unit of donated blood is a vital resource for Taiwan's healthcare system, per a press release.

Updated blood donation regulations allow individuals between 65 and 69 to donate blood without a physician's approval, while donors aged 70 and older still require a doctor's consent. Those under 17 must obtain permission from a legal guardian.

The standard donation is 250 milliliters per session, while people weighing at least 60 kilograms may donate 500 milliliters. Annual donations are capped at 1,500 milliliters for men and 1,000 milliliters for women.

Those who have had tattoos within the past year are temporarily ineligible to donate blood. Those who have undergone dental procedures, including tartar removal, tooth extraction, root canal treatment, or dental implants, must wait seven days before donating.

Chiang also took the opportunity to discuss development of the Taipei Technology Corridor that would integrate Beitou-Shilin Technology Park, Neihu Technology Park, and Nangang Software Park. He said such developments would strengthen Taipei's position as a global AI industry center.

Chiang also noted the city's efforts to improve transportation, including a dedicated bus route serving Neihu Technology Park and shuttle services connecting the park with Nangang Software Park. Additional improvements include a new northbound access road to the Tiding Interchange, which has eased traffic congestion and reduced commuting times, per the press release.

Chiang said the city is also working to make Neihu more family-friendly, allowing parents to reduce working hours without a reduction in pay. He thanked local businesses for their continued cooperation and feedback, saying the city would continue supporting Neihu's development as both a leading technology hub and a thriving, family-centered community.