More new blood donors needed across Finland
The Finnish Red Cross Blood Service aims to recruit 22,000 new blood donors this year. A broad donor base is essential for Finland's security of supply – one that does not need to donate too frequently. In major accidents, the need for blood rises rapidly, and in a pandemic, a large share of donors may be ill.
In hospitals, blood products are given to accident victims, mothers in labour, cancer patients and premature babies. At Helsinki University Hospital (HUS) in Meilahti, for example, as many as 100–200 blood products are used every day. In so-called massive haemorrhage cases, consumption is particularly high.
“If a patient is bleeding very heavily, 200 units can go to a single patient,” says Hannamari Ålander, a laboratory nurse at the HUS Blood Centre, in an online article by Husari (in Finnish).
Donated blood is divided into red blood cells, platelets and plasma, and patients receive whichever component they need. A single platelet – or thrombocyte – product, for example, requires blood from four donors of the same blood group.
“Several blood products can be made from one donation, so a single donor can help multiple patients,” Ålander says.
The start of the year fell short of target – the trend can be turned
Some regular donors have to stop giving blood due to age or illness, and life circumstances can lead to breaks in donation. This is why the need for new donors is constant.
In the first quarter of 2026, 37,485 people donated blood, of whom 4,908 (13%) were new donors. The start of the year has therefore fallen short of the target for new donors, but the trend can be reversed.
“Every new blood donor helps us reach our goal. Experienced donors are also needed every day – they often encourage new donors to come forward, which makes a real difference,” says Johanna Castrén, Director of Blood Donation at the Blood Service.
“Blood donation is an easy way to help patients while also supporting the resilience of society as a whole,” Castrén adds.
Blood can also be donated at workplaces, garrisons and educational institutions
The Blood Service has donation points in ten locations and organises donation events every week around the country. It also visits workplaces, garrisons and educational institutions – including with its mobile blood donation bus.
If you are interested in becoming a blood donor, you can check the donation criteria on our website, book an appointment or simply drop in.
- If you already donate blood, bring along a first-time donor next time – a family member, friend, neighbour, fellow student or colleague. The first donation can feel daunting, and it is much easier to take the plunge with an experienced donor by your side!
- If you have never donated blood before, take a quick online test to find out whether you are eligible.
- Even if you cannot donate yourself, anyone can share information and encourage others to give blood.
