Fear can prevent blood donation despite a desire to help
Fear and nervousness related to blood donation can prevent people from starting to donate blood, even when they want to help. On Friday, 13 November, the Finnish Red Cross Blood Service will organise the free Last night of fears event at Sanomatalo in Helsinki, where people can learn about blood donation at their own pace.
In a yet unpublished study on obstacles to blood donation by University of Helsinki researchers Anne Birgitta Pessi and Teemu Pauha, 20% of respondents cited physical discomfort, such as nausea or dizziness, as an obstacle, while 17% mentioned fear of needles or pain.
“A desire to help and fear are not mutually exclusive. A person may genuinely want to donate blood but feel so nervous about the procedure that they ultimately decide not to. Fear can therefore prevent a good intention from turning into action,” says Teemu Pauha.
“People can also be afraid of blood donation even when they know it is safe. This is why fear cannot be alleviated simply by providing information. It is equally important to meet the person who is afraid and take their concerns seriously,” Pauha says.
An opportunity to learn about blood donation
The Last night of fears event will be held on 13 November from 6 pm to 10 pm at Sanomatalo in Helsinki. It is aimed especially at people who are interested in blood donation but feel nervous or afraid about donating.
“Blood donation does not have to begin by sitting straight down in the donation chair. We want to offer people an opportunity to learn what happens during blood donation and face their nervousness at their own pace,” says Hille Nylander, Partnership Manager at the Blood Service.
Visitors can explore the world of blood donation through an audiovisual experience, see blood products and blood collection equipment, and have their haemoglobin measured. The evening will also feature live music. The event is free of charge and the age limit is 18.
Visitors who wish to do so can donate blood on the second floor of Sanomatalo. Blood donation will be available until 9.30 pm.
Please note: The event has limited capacity and queues may form.
The Last night of fears event is produced by event agency Liwlig. The event’s visual identity and the video about the journey of blood are by Kobra Agency.
Last night of fears
Fri 13 November 2026, 6–10 pm
Sanomatalo, Töölönlahdenkatu 2, Helsinki
Blood donation available until 9.30 pm
The event is free of charge, age limit 18.
Media contacts:
Hille Nylander and Anne Lind
