Every blood donor makes an invaluable contribution to saving human lives.

On World Blood Donor Day, we thank everyone who, year after year, takes part in the nationwide charitable campaign “Donate Blood – Save Lives”, an event that the ICF “Assistance to Victims of Road Accidents” together with the Ukrainian Research Institute of Transport Medicine of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, has been organizing for many years as part of the Road Safety Week. The goal of this campaign is to promote blood donation and support victims of road accidents.

The shortage of donated blood in Ukraine has always existed, but with the onset of the war, the need for it has become even more critical. According to the Ministry of Health, since the war began, the demand for blood has increased by over 30-40%, due to the large number of wounded soldiers and civilians. Blood banks require constant replenishment. Blood transfusion plays a vital role in saving the lives of the injured in emergencies and is one of the most crucial medical procedures. There is also a significant need for blood for planned surgeries, cancer treatments, complicated childbirths, and more. Regular donations are especially important, as blood has a limited shelf life of only two days.

One donation can save up to three lives. So, this year’s World Blood Donor Day, held under the slogan “Donate Blood, Give Hope: Together We Save Lives,” can serve as a great starting point for a new habit – sharing a part of your blood to save the lives and health of our defenders and innocent civilians affected by the war.

How to prepare for blood donation

Blood donations are typically made in the morning. The day before, it’s important not to overexert yourself and to follow a simple diet, avoiding dairy products, fatty meats, sausages, smoked foods, snacks, and fast food. Also, make sure to get a good night’s sleep. For 48 hours before donation, avoid alcohol and medications. Additionally, refrain from smoking for at least 2 hours before donating.

After donation, experts recommend avoiding heavy physical exertion, alcohol for 12 hours, and smoking for 2 hours. It’s also important to drink plenty of fluids to help your body recover.

For reference:

The Resolution to establish World Blood Donor Day was adopted by the World Health Assembly in 2005 to promote voluntary and unpaid blood donation. The date was chosen for a reason: June 14^th marks the birthday of Karl Landsteiner, an Austrian doctor and immunologist, who in 1930 won the Nobel Prize for his discovery of human blood groups.

Blood transfusions save millions of lives every year. Donor blood is a valuable resource, both for planned treatments and for providing emergency care. One in three people on Earth will need donor blood at least once in their lifetime, and each year, donors around the world give approximately 112.5 million blood donations.