News

A regulation concerning sexual behaviour issued by the Finnish Medicines Agency Fimea will be introduced in blood donation on 4.12.2023. The regulation changes eligibility criteria to lift the separate ban on blood donation for men who have sex with men.

Will Jokerit face off against series leader TUTO Hockey? The fifth season of the Lifesavers' League, organised by Mestis Hockey and the Finnish Blood Service, will begin on 21.9.2023. This year, a new challenger will enter the blood donation competition as Jokerit will be joining for the first time.

The Blood Service’s new workplace certification is a new way in which workplaces can contribute to societal goals. The certificate is awarded to businesses that allow their employees to donate blood during working hours.

After the bridge accident that occurred in Espoo on 11.5.2023, the Blood Service conducted a donor survey to find out how blood donors experienced communications related to the major incident.

The Blood Service is proposing to relax the deferral rule for men who have sex with men (MSM) so that a history of male-to-male sexual activity would no longer automatically disqualify a prospective blood donor. An official regulation to change the policy is being drafted at the moment.

Minna Mäki (PhD) has been named director of research, product development and new services at the Blood Service. She takes up her new position on 22 May 2023.

The Blood Service Annual Report for 2022 has been published. You will find all the key figures and statistics concerning Finnish Red Cross Blood Service and an overview of the most important changes and events that took place last year.

The Blood Service investigates donors’ customer experiences each year. Last year, almost 3200 first-time donors from all over Finland responded to the survey. According to the results, new blood donors have an excellent customer experience.

Johanna Castrén (M.D.) has been appointed as the director of blood donation operations at the Blood Service and as a member of the Management Group.

At the moment, only 3.5% of Finns donate blood. Blood donors are a key part of disaster preparedness, as they allow the Blood Service to deliver blood products to hospitals.

In summertime, blood donors are encouraged to take a few important matters into account. Remember to stay hydrated when enjoying the hot weather. In the summer, you can donate blood near your summer cottage or along your holiday trip - blood donors are accepted at all blood donating sites regardless of your domicile. Bear in mind, however, that travelling abroad may prevent you from donating blood temporarily.

Hartela built flexibly adaptable premises compliant with modern needs for the Finnish Red Cross Blood Service, located in the district of Vehkala in Vantaa.