Latvia’s blood stocks fall as donor centre seeks help

Latvia’s blood stocks have fallen significantly, and the State Blood Donor Centre is urging anyone able to donate to come forward, LSM reported. The centre has scheduled donation visits in towns and other communities across the country to reach more donors.

The centre is appealing to donors of all blood groups, including people who have never donated before. It is particularly seeking O-positive, O-negative, A-positive and A-negative donors.

Ilze Vāvere began donating after her caregiver needed blood. She now donates regularly with her colleagues and encouraged her daughter to become a donor as well.

“I was afraid of the process, but then you realise it’s not bad, and you can do something good,” Vāvere said. “I got my daughter involved. Now she is a donor too. It isn’t painful.”

Centre director Egita Pole said the decline in donor numbers was partly linked to people’s health and the fact that donations are accepted only up to the age of 65. Low haemoglobin, some medications and travel to certain countries can prevent a person from donating, she said.

Mobile donation visits are scheduled for Dobele, Gulbene and Grobiņa on Tuesday, October 27, and for Madona and Brocēni on Thursday. The centre’s website lists additional visits planned for November.