The Year of Responsible Actions opens many opportunities to do good. Two of our colleagues decided to quite literally lend a helping hand by donating blood.
Making good deeds a habit – two experiences of blood donation
Executive Assistant Sanna Ojanen decided to donate blood when the Charity Activity served as an incentive for a decision she had been considering for a long time.
“I worried unnecessarily about going to donate blood. The whole process was very well organised, and the professional staff made me feel comfortable. Now that the first time is behind me, I will definitely consider donating again,” Sanna says.
“After the donation, I felt a bit tired for a short while, but my energy returned quickly. I was left with a good and proud feeling of having done something concrete and good. I encourage everyone who is considering it to donate blood, as the experience was positive. A surprisingly small act can help a lot,” Sanna continues.
Back Office Manager Jonas Öhman has donated blood four times, despite having had a fear of blood in the past.
“I decided to take stepping outside my comfort zone as a challenge. It was worth it, as the nervousness eases over time,” Jonas notes.
“I happen to have the rarer blood type O-, which only about five per cent of Finns have. Blood known as ‘zero blood’ or emergency blood can be given to everyone else and is especially needed in sudden accidents when there is no time to determine the patient’s blood type. Emergency blood reserves are constantly too low. The desire and opportunity to help motivate me to continue donating blood,” Jonas says.
“I also encourage others to give it a try, as donating leaves you with a good feeling and a lighter state of mind,” Jonas adds, while also reminding people to drink enough water before and after donation.
Ilmatar encourages blood donation during working hours
There is a constant shortage of blood donors. According to the Finnish Blood Service (Veripalvelu), only three per cent of the population donate blood, which is not enough. Donated blood is needed every day for surgeries, to support cancer treatments, childbirths, and the treatment of accidents and sudden bleeding. Due to the short shelf life of blood products and the need for preparedness, hundreds of donors are needed every day.
In Finland, the most common blood groups are A+ and O+. However, the need for donated blood is not evenly distributed. O-, known as emergency blood, is particularly important because it can be given to almost everyone in emergency situations. Every blood group is needed, and there is always demand for new donors.
Ilmatar supports the national blood supply system. The Donating Blood During Working Hours certificate awarded by the Blood Service indicates that employees at Ilmatar are allowed to donate blood during working hours.
