The City of Forssa adopted the Blood Donation During Working Hours Certificate
The City of Forssa allows its employees to donate blood during working hours. Now, the Mayor is encouraging neighbouring municipalities to follow suit.
“Personally, I consider blood donation extremely important. I have been a blood donor myself for many years. Especially as I have grown older, it has become clear that anyone can end up needing blood products,“ says Jari Kesäniemi, Mayor of Forssa.
The Finnish Red Cross Blood Service encourages workplaces to allow employees to donate blood during working hours, as maintaining a sufficient number of blood donors is an important part of Finland’s national preparedness and security of supply. Only around 3% of Finns who are eligible to donate blood actually do so.
“I was surprised to learn that the figure is only three percent. Not everyone is able to donate blood, but it is important that those of us who can donate do so and encourage others as well. This is a great way to make a positive difference,” Kesäniemi says.
Donated blood is needed every day, for example for patients undergoing major surgery, victims of accidents, mothers giving birth, and premature babies. Blood products cannot be replaced by medicines.
The Mayor Also Challenges Neighbouring Municipalities to Join
The Mayor considers it a positive development that Forssa is leading the way for other municipalities.
“It is both a pleasure and an honour to be involved in such an important cause. The Finnish Red Cross Blood Service has made it easy for organisations to introduce blood donation during working hours. It involves no costs for the organisation and encourages everyone to do good,“ says Kesäniemi.
Kesäniemi now warmly challenges all municipalities to introduce the possibility of donating blood during working hours.
“Municipalities carry an important social responsibility, and a little friendly competition between municipalities is always welcome,” Kesäniemi adds.
