Finnish Red Cross aims to recruit 20,000 new blood donors amid declining participation

The departure of older generations from blood donation has posed a challenge for the Finnish Red Cross Blood Services (SPR). This year, the aim is to recruit 20,000 new blood donors, and currently, approximately half of that target has been reached, according to Anu Keisala, the operational manager for blood donation. Efforts are being made in collaboration with educational institutions, companies, and military units to achieve this goal. Keisala anticipates that the target may need to be increased in the coming years as older donors drop off.

The blood services hope that current donors will encourage those around them to join in. “Our hope is that as an individual’s last donation approaches, a new donor will step forward,” Keisala remarks. Recently, a nationwide statistic indicated a successful day with the addition of 250 new donors from military bases.

In South Ostrobothnia, the Jalasjärvi parish house sees frequent visitors as blood donation sessions commence. Nurse Tiia Kujanpää effectively guides donors, noting that most attendees are regulars. “Even a single new donor today would satisfy us,” she adds. Timo Luokkakallio, a seasoned donor, emphasizes the small effort required to help others.

Only about three percent of the population donates blood. Various health reasons can prevent donation, yet many express goodwill, often hindered by busy lives. “People today are rushed. In the midst of family and work commitments, donating may not be the first thought,” Kujanpää suggests. For Viivi Kuuppelomäki, willingness to help and high hemoglobin levels motivate her to donate, while needle fear may deter others.

Overall, Keisala believes that the mobile blood service is still the best way to engage potential donors, despite scheduling challenges.