The Crucial Role of Blood Donation Amidst War

For over three years, Ukraine has been experiencing war, and the demand for blood donations has reached critical levels.

Staff at the Primary Health Care Center No. 16 have conducted their tenth joint blood donation. Health professionals know all too well how vital a steady supply of donor blood is, which is why they donate every two months.

Blood donation not only saves lives but also offers numerous health benefits:

• reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and thrombosis;
• preventing certain types of cancer related to excess iron;
• improving overall health;
• regular donors tend to live 3-5 years longer;
• the ability to save others' lives.

One donation can save up to three lives.

Currently, blood donation is a vital contribution to Ukraine's defense capabilities.

Information about the need for blood donations in Odessa is shared on the official Telegram channels “Odessa. Official” and “Donor Odessa,” supported by the Department of Information and Digital Solutions of the Odessa City Council.

Since the war began, the “Donor Odessa” project has facilitated over 11,500 blood donations, saving thousands of lives.

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To be a donor, one must be a citizen of Ukraine or a resident with a permit, weighing at least 50 kg, and aged 18 to 60 years (up to 65 years with a doctor's consent and absence of serious chronic illnesses).

There must be at least 60 days between whole blood donations to allow the blood components to fully replenish. After donating specific components (plasma or platelets), the next donation can occur after 14 days.

Blood donation is completely safe for donors, as sterile, single-use instruments are utilized. Before donation, a free hemoglobin level check is performed, along with tests for viral hepatitis, HIV, and syphilis.

Absolute contraindications for blood donation:
- HIV/AIDS, viral hepatitis, syphilis;
- active tuberculosis;
- diabetes and other severe endocrine disorders;
- cancer;
- severe skin diseases;
- mental disorders;

Temporary contraindications:
- infectious diseases, flu - 2 weeks after recovery;
- hepatitis A - 1 year after recovery;
- tattoos, piercings - 6 months;
- surgical operations - 6 months.

Preparing for donation:
Avoid painkillers and alcohol 48 hours before the procedure. A light breakfast without fatty foods is recommended before donation.