Presidential couple visited the Finnish Red Cross Blood Service
The President of the Republic, Alexander Stubb, and his spouse, Suzanne Innes-Stubb, visited the Finnish Red Cross operations at the Blood Service’s headquarters in Vantaa on 3 February 2026.
During their tour, the presidential couple learned about the production of blood components, which patients in Finnish hospitals rely on every day. The Blood Service produces approximately 150,000 red cell units and 27,000 platelet units each year.
“It was great to see at the grassroots level where blood products come from,” President Stubb said.
The visit also included an introduction to the Finnish Red Cross’ preparedness and response capabilities for various crisis situations. For example, the organisation’s fully equipped field hospital has been deployed in several crisis areas around the world.
The Blood Service’s operations were presented by director Pia Westman, director in charge of blood products Johanna Nystedt, and production manager Ari Hemminki. The Finnish Red Cross’ activities were introduced by the president of the Finnish Red Cross Elli Aaltonen, and director of international operations Tiina Saarikoski.
The Blood Service is an institution of the Finnish Red Cross and the sole operator responsible for blood supply in Finland, a nationally critical task. It is responsible for collecting blood and plasma from voluntary donors and for producing and distributing blood products to healthcare units.
“Thank you very much for the work you do. Many people may not realise every day just how many things blood is needed for.”
