Finland’s blood supply is based on voluntary donors – World Blood Donor Day is celebrated on 14 June
On World Blood Donor Day, 14 June, we thank voluntary blood donors for their irreplaceable role in patient care. Finland’s security of supply is not built solely on reserves and systems, but on people helping one another.
Blood donors are part of Finland’s security of supply. Patients need blood products every day, including in emergency situations. Thanks to donors, blood is available for surgeries, cancer treatments, childbirth, and accident situations.
On World Blood Donor Day, the Finnish Red Cross Blood Service thanks donors whose contribution is visible both in patients’ everyday lives and in society’s resilience to crises.
Without blood donors, the blood supply would not function
The international Blood Donor Day, initiated by the World Health Organization (WHO), highlights the importance of voluntary blood donors in patient care. This year’s theme is One drop of Humanity. The theme reminds us that blood donation is not only healthcare, but also an act of solidarity, humanity and responsibility.
– Voluntary blood donors are an indispensable part of a reliable blood supply. Without them, we would not be able to ensure that patients receive the blood products they need. To make sure help will also be available in the future, it is important that new donors from different age groups and backgrounds continue to join, says Director of Blood Donation Services, Johanna Castrén.
The Blood Service delivers blood products to healthcare units across Finland. Its task is to ensure that patients receive safe blood products both in normal conditions and in exceptional circumstances.
Blood donors’ celebration in Helsinki on 14 June
This year the day will be celebrated on Sunday 14 June 2026 from 12 to 3 pm at Kasarmitori Square in Helsinki in cooperation with Superterassi. Performers include artists ANI and Aliisa Syrjä.
The event also features a patient speech highlighting where the help of blood donors concretely ends up.
The event is free of charge, open to all and has no age limit.
