He has 33 officially recorded blood donations and has encouraged more than 400 people to take part in voluntary blood donation drives.
In June, Lâm was among 100 outstanding voluntary blood donors nationwide in 2026 honoured by the National Steering Committee for Voluntary Blood Donation Mobilization, in coordination with the Ministry of Health and the Central Committee of the Vietnam Red Cross Society.
His story is not only one of personal commitment but also a journey of spreading compassion and promoting the image of a people's public security officer dedicated to serving the community.
On the occasion of the Traditional Day of the Vietnam People's Security Force on July 12, reporters from the press, radio and television spoke with Major Lê Đức Lâm about his nearly 20-year journey as a voluntary blood donor.
Nearly two decades ago, Lâm began donating blood out of curiosity and encouragement from friends. But after witnessing patients desperately waiting for blood to survive, the act gradually became a responsibility and a way of life that he has maintained ever since.
▪ What turned an act born out of curiosity into a journey of 33 recorded blood donations?
- In fact, I have donated blood more than 40 times, but some certificates from my student days were lost, so I only have records of 33 donations.
At first, I simply thought it was a good deed. After becoming a student at the People's Security University, taking part in Youth Union activities, receiving training in communication and mobilisation for voluntary blood donation, and directly organising and supporting blood donation programmes with my fellow students, I truly came to understand the significance of this work.
During my student years, I also had opportunities to participate in many charitable activities both inside and outside the university. I accompanied the “Thúy's Dream” programme organised by Tuổi Trẻ Newspaper and witnessed children with cancer waiting each day for blood to survive. That experience helped me understand the value of every unit of donated blood.
It became the motivation for me to continue donating blood for nearly 20 years, and I will keep doing so for as long as my health allows. For me, voluntary blood donation is now not only a source of joy but also an opportunity to check my blood health and join the community in spreading humanitarian values throughout society.
▪ You have donated blood many times, including in several emergencies. Which experience stands out most?
- I have donated blood in five emergency cases. The most memorable was after the provincial merger, when I was transferred to Quy Nhơn Ward.
A woman named Dung contacted me through social media and asked for blood to help her mother, who was in critical condition. Although the request came during my work schedule, I managed to arrange my tasks and rushed over to help the patient in time.
That was the first time I knew the identity of the person receiving my blood in an emergency. In previous cases, I had simply responded to urgent calls for blood and left after donating.
▪ In your view, how does voluntary blood donation align with the duties of a people's public security officer?
- Just as public security officers are always ready to sacrifice and dedicate themselves to protecting people's lives, health and peace, voluntary blood donors give a part of themselves to help save patients' lives. Both come from a spirit of community service and humanity, putting the interests of others above one's own.
These are humanitarian acts that reflect responsibility, compassion and unconditional dedication to society. Whether wearing the public security uniform or participating in voluntary blood donation, the mission is the same: To serve the people and to protect and preserve life.
▪ You have encouraged more than 400 people to take part in voluntary blood donation. What is your secret to creating such a strong ripple effect?
- I have spent many years as a Youth Union officer, from my student days through my professional career. I use my own political activities to promote voluntary blood donation and encourage colleagues and friends to participate.
Most importantly, I always join them in these activities to show that blood donation is completely safe and beneficial to health.
▪ With the demanding workload of an officer in the Advisory Division, how do you manage your time and maintain your involvement in voluntary blood donation?
- Because of time constraints, I mostly donate whole blood, which is a quick process. It takes about three to four months for the body to fully recover and for a donor to become eligible to donate again.
That means I can manage the timing of my donations without affecting my work. Most of my donations take place during voluntary blood donation programmes organised by my unit or locality, while others are made in response to emergency requests from hospitals.
▪ How has your family supported and encouraged you in your blood donation efforts?
- Fortunately, my wife is a doctor. She understands blood donation very well and has also donated blood since her student days. However, because of her small build, she has donated only four times so far.
When we got married, she knew that I regularly participated in voluntary blood donation and gave me in-depth medical advice, helping me both assist others and protect my own health.
▪ If you could send a message to young people today, especially those who are hesitant to take part in community activities, what would you say?
- Youth comes only once. Live life to the fullest, live usefully, and do not miss the opportunity to do good for the community, even through the smallest acts.