Blood donation in Finland

2025-09-18 12:10 Healthcare Other useful tips

Lately, there’s been a lot of talk about the shortage of blood donors in Finland, and the Finnish Red Cross is encouraging more people to join. We wanted to share this topic through a personal story.

Maria Andros, a member of our community, has been living in Finland for more than 15 years and donates blood regularly. She’s a universal donor (O negative), and her experience might inspire those who are still hesitating!

Maria says she always knew her blood type was “special,” but it was only after moving to Finland in 2010 that she realized how easy and meaningful blood donation could be. At her university, the Red Cross would come right to the campus, making it simple for students to take part. For her, donating became not only a conscious decision, but also a way to give something back to the society that welcomed her with education, work, and safety.

How it works

In Finland, women are advised to donate blood no more than 3-4 times a year, since recovery takes a little longer because of iron loss. The main thing is to look after nutrition and iron levels. No special preparation is needed.

Booking is simple: you just go to veripalvelu.fi and pick a time. A couple of days before, you fill out a questionnaire to make sure it’s safe to donate. For example, recent travel, a new tattoo or certain medications might mean waiting a little.

On donation day, everything is set up to be comfortable and stress-free. First, they check your hemoglobin, then you sit in a cozy chair, and in just 5-10 minutes about half a liter of blood is collected. The nurses are kind, attentive, and even manage to make people laugh.

Afterward, donors are invited to a small café area with juice, sandwiches, nuts, sweets and yes, even ice cream 🍦 It’s not just a treat, but part of making sure you leave with energy.

What to keep in mind

Right after donating, it’s best to avoid the sauna, alcohol, or heavy workouts. Some people get a bit tired or notice a small bruise, but it usually passes quickly with rest, good food, and water.

Maria says that what makes the biggest difference in Finland is the respectful and caring attitude toward donors. You’re not just “a source of blood»; you’re a person who is truly helping others. She has donated nearly 20 times already and even started a small donor group at her workplace. Colleagues go together, and companies sometimes make it into a fun challenge.

For Maria, donation has become part of life and a simple way to make a real impact. After all, one donation can save up to three lives, and that thought is more powerful than any reward.

Why not give it a try?

Finland makes it really easy: online booking, information in several languages, and friendly staff who guide you every step of the way.

If you’ve been curious but unsure, try it once. 🩸 Book your time at veripalvelu.fi