Porto-Franco City

For over three years, a full-scale war has been ongoing, and the demand for blood donations remains extremely high.

The staff of Primary Health Care Center No. 16 held their tenth joint blood donation. Medical professionals understand the critical need for a steady blood supply, which is why the team donates blood every two months.

Benefits of donating blood include:
- reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases;
- preventing certain cancers, especially those related to excess iron;
- rejuvenating the blood system;
- regular donors live 3-5 years longer;
- saving lives.

One blood donation can save up to three lives.

Currently, blood donation is an essential contribution to Ukraine's defense.

Information about the current needs for blood donations is published on official Telegram channels.

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

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A donor can be a citizen of Ukraine or a resident permit holder, weighing at least 50 kg and aged between 18 and 60 (up to 65 with a doctor's consent).

At least 60 days must pass between whole blood donations for recovery. After donating specific components like plasma, the next donation can occur in 14 days.

Blood donation is completely safe, as sterile disposable tools are used. Before donating, hemoglobin levels are checked, along with tests for viral infections.

Absolute contraindications:
- HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, syphilis;
- active tuberculosis;
- diabetes and severe endocrine diseases;
- cancers;
- chronic kidney failure.

Temporary restrictions for donors:
- infectious diseases – 2 weeks after recovery;
- surgeries – 6 months;
- pregnancy – 6 months after childbirth.

Preparation for donation:
Avoid alcohol for 48 hours before donation and certain medications for 72 hours.

Foods to avoid before donating:
- fatty meats, dairy products, citrus fruits, chips.

Smokers can donate blood but should refrain from smoking for 2 hours before and 1-2 hours after donation.