News and articles

05 November 2026

Article Blood donation Stories

A serious illness put Jenna’s life on hold, but blood donors helped carry her through treatment

A serious illness made the help of blood donors a very real part of life for 18-year-old Jenna. During her treatment, she needed large amounts of blood products until a suitable stem cell donor was…

02 November 2026

News

Directorate of the Blood Service appointed

The Board of the Finnish Red Cross has appointed a new Directorate for the Blood Service, effective from 1 November 2026. The Directorate’s term of office is 2027–2029. Three new members will…

29 October 2026

Blood donation Press release

Plasma donation expands to six new cities

Towards the end of the year, plasma can be donated not only in Vantaa but also in Helsinki, Tampere, Turku, Espoo, Kuopio and Oulu. The Finnish Red Cross Blood Service is increasing plasma donation…

19 October 2026

Article Stem Cell Registry Stories

A Second Birthday Together: Saara Donated Stem Cells to Save Her Father

When Saara’s father needed a stem cell transplant, Saara refused to let fear take over. After the donation came a long wait, until the successful transplant finally brought relief to the whole…

07 October 2026

Blood donation Press release Research

Blood Service Research Fund awards 200 000 euros for research on blood donors’ sense of safety and serum eye drops

The Finnish Red Cross Blood Service Research Fund has awarded 100 000 euros in funding to a study led by Professor Anne Birgitta Pessi examining the significance of perceived safety in the donation…

06 October 2026

Article Stem Cell Registry Stories

Maria Donated Stem Cells: “The Overwhelming Feeling Is Gratitude”

When Maria Kierikka-Sinkkonen joined the Stem Cell Registry after seeing a touching story about a child searching for a stem cell donor, she never imagined that she herself would one day become a…

02 October 2026

News Professionals Research

Immune cell atlas helps explain the genetic causes of disease

A new study sheds light on one of the major mysteries of genetics: how disease-associated genetic variants influence the functioning of the human body. Based on more than 10 million immune cells, the…

28 September 2026

Blood donation Press release

Nordic cooperation needed on blood supply in the High North

The organisations responsible for the blood supply in Finland, Norway and Sweden are planning to collaborate to support emergency medical care in their northernmost regions. The aim is to improve…

22 September 2026

Press release Stem Cell Registry

World Marrow Donor Day celebrates donors and encourages new members to join the Stem Cell Registry

World Marrow Donor Day is celebrated internationally on 22 September. The purpose of the day is to thank all members of the Stem Cell Registry and volunteer donors who give seriously ill patients a…

22 September 2026

Article Stem Cell Registry Stories

For one person, a moment from their own life - for another, a chance to live.

When Liinu Pellikka went to donate blood with a friend, she had no idea that the visit would lead to an opportunity to save the life of a stranger. Joining the Stem Cell Registry felt like a natural…

18 September 2026

Blood donation Press release

Blood donors’ family origins help identify rare blood groups

The increasing diversity of Finland’s population is also reflected in blood groups. For nearly two years, the Finnish Red Cross Blood…

17 September 2026

Article Blood donation Stem Cell Registry Stories

Essi’s Story Reminds Us Why Blood Donors Are Needed Every Day: “I Get to Be Here Today”

Essi knows firsthand what blood donation and stem cell donation can mean. The young woman, who was diagnosed with a serious blood cancer, was successfully treated thanks to blood donors and a stem…