Kupwara, Sept. 14 -- Minister Sakina Itoo on Sunday said that blood donation initiatives are essential for saving lives and called for greater public participation, especially among youth, in such programs across Jammu and Kashmir.

Speaking to media persons during a blood donation awareness event, the minister congratulated the organizers and emphasized the importance of organizing similar initiatives at the grassroots level.

"First of all, I would like to congratulate all those who have organized this program. I feel that such programs should be organized regularly and everyone should participate," she said, adding that the need for blood is constant in Jammu and Kashmir, with someone requiring blood almost every day.

She expressed sa...