Blood donation bus to visit Jelgava on 20 October

The State Blood Donor Centre (VADC), Latvia's national blood donation service, will hold an outreach visit in Jelgava on 20 October. Its specialised bus will be stationed by the company Jelgavas klīnika at 10 Sudraba Edžus Street, and donors will be welcomed from 10:00 to 14:00. Donors of all blood groups are invited, but O-, A+, A- and B- blood is especially needed.

Blood and its components are used for patients in emergencies, surgery and childbirth, as well as in the treatment of serious illnesses and injuries. Blood cannot be replaced artificially, so supply depends on the willingness of donors to give it.

Who can donate

A healthy person aged 18 to 65 who weighs at least 50 kilograms can become a blood donor. First-time donors can give blood up to the age of 60. Before donating, a person should be well rested, have eaten and drunk enough fluids, and avoid alcohol for at least a day beforehand. Donors must bring a valid identity document showing their personal code, name and surname, and a photograph – a passport, an eID card or another such document.

Intervals between donations

Men may donate no more often than every nine weeks and up to six times a year. Women may donate no more often than every 13 weeks and up to four times a year. Before visiting, it is advisable to check on the VADC website that the donor requirements are met.

Days off and another location

Donors receive a certificate that they can give to their employer to obtain a paid day off. Under the procedure set in legislation, employers must grant up to five such paid days off per year.

In Jelgava, blood can also be donated at the Blood Preparation Department of Jelgava City Hospital, at 6 Brīvības Boulevard, on the third floor of Building C.