Over seven lakh units of blood has been collected through voluntary donations so far this year as against the requirement of eight lakh units, said C Partha Sarathi, project director of the Andhra Pradesh State Aids Control Society (APSACS).
APSACS in association with the State Blood Transfusion Council organised an awareness programme on blood donation here on Monday.
Health and family welfare minister DL Ravindra Reddy released two posters, a brochure and educational CDs on blood donation on the occasion.
Later, he also inauguraed a blood donation camp conducted by the Institute of Preventive Medicine and the blood bank of Gandhi Medical College.
Partha Sarathi said accident victims, persons in need of surgeries and patients of various dreadful diseases like cancer, thalasemia and hemophilia need blood.
He said APSACS is going to tie up with the department of collegiate education and also other departments to reach out to students and youth