Reach out, help, participate, and win

Blood donation is one of the most concrete ways to help another person. Blood is vital and cannot be manufactured in a laboratory, which is why every donor is invaluable. Blood is constantly needed for surgeries, cancer treatments, accident situations, and treatments for various diseases. The need often arises unexpectedly, and no one can predict when they themselves or someone close to them might need it. Did you know that one donation can help up to three patients?

A blood donation event will be organized at University of Vaasa on Wednesday, April 23, from 11:00 to 15:00 in Fabriikki, room F119. VYY encourages students to participate in the donation, for example between lectures. You can book an appointment on the website of Blood service or show up without an appointment.  Blood donation is a quick way to do good, and at the same time it can be a meaningful moment to share with a friend.

This year, subject organizations will once again compete with each other based on the number of blood donations collected in their donation groups. The competition lasts the entire year, so you can still participate later even if you cannot attend the April event. When donating, indicate which subject organization you belong to and help your organization win! At the end of the year, the organization with the most donations will receive one free rental of the Leipis sauna facility along with a surprise prize.

Last year’s donation competition for subject organizations was won by… drumroll please… Hallinnoijat!! They will receive one free rental of the Leipis sauna facility as well as a surprise prize from the Make a Break project!

Most people can donate blood if they feel healthy, have a Finnish personal identity number, and live in Finland or another Nordic country. Only a few illnesses or medications permanently prevent donation. For example, new tattoos, piercings, certain treatments, or life changes may cause a temporary deferral period, after which donation is possible again. You can check your eligibility in advance on the Finnish Red Cross Blood Service website.

The blood donation process is simple and safe. At the beginning of the visit, you fill in a health questionnaire and discuss it with a nurse, after which a small blood sample is taken from your fingertip to check your hemoglobin level. The actual donation usually takes about ten minutes and is done comfortably while sitting in a chair. Afterwards, snacks and drinks are provided, and it is important to remember adequate hydration for the rest of the day. Donors are often given an overall patch as a souvenir.

If blood donation is new to you, a little preparation helps. Eating and drinking enough beforehand helps you feel well, and comfortable clothing makes the process smoother. Many people also find that donating with a friend makes the experience more relaxed, and any nervousness can be eased by chatting or browsing your phone during the donation. The nurses are there for you, so you can always ask if something concerns you.

In connection with blood donation, it is also possible to help in another important way by joining the stem cell registry. Stem cell transplants are needed, for example, in the treatment of leukemia, and a suitable donor is not always found within the family. Registration is done by filling out a form and taking a sample from the inside of your cheek with a cotton swab. You can check whether you are eligible on the Blood Service website.

One donation is a small act for the donor, but it can be life-changing for someone in need. See you at the blood donation event on April 23!

For more information and other blood donation locations, visit the Finnish Red Cross Blood Service website.