On 3 November, a mobile team from the regional blood service will arrive in Drohobych. Blood will be collected from 9:00 to 13:00 on the grounds of the hospital campus at 9 Sheptytskyi Street, in the car park next to the administrative building of the Municipal Non-Profit Enterprise “Drohobych City Hospital No. 1”.
The organisers stress that donor blood is needed every day to save critically ill patients, people after complex operations and wounded service personnel. Each donation gives a chance of life to those currently undergoing treatment.
Anyone aged between 18 and 60 and weighing at least 50 kg can become a donor. You must have an identity document with you, or electronic documents in the “Diia” app. For convenience, the organisers suggest choosing a time to donate blood via an online form.
At the same time, there are absolute medical contraindications that make donation prohibited. These include HIV infection, hepatitis B and C, active tuberculosis, syphilis, cancer, mental disorders, a tendency to bleeding, as well as cardiovascular conditions (congenital abnormalities, previous heart surgery, decompensated states). People with severe forms of psoriasis or eczema, bronchial asthma, diabetes mellitus, active peptic ulcer disease, autoimmune diseases, as well as those with a history of repeated fainting or seizures, are not allowed to donate.
Temporary restrictions include recently contracted viral infections, as well as tattoos, piercings, acupuncture, surgical interventions and blood transfusions. After such procedures, you may donate blood no earlier than six months later.
Medical staff remind potential donors of the importance of proper preparation for giving blood. Three days before the visit, you should stop taking medication, but only after consulting your doctor. This is especially important for blood-thinning medicines and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which must not be taken within 48 hours before donation. Alcohol is prohibited for two days prior to the procedure.
On the day before giving blood, it is not recommended to eat fatty, fried or smoked foods, fast food, pickles, any dairy products (yoghurt, cheese, butter, cream, sour cream), nuts, seeds, eggs, bananas or citrus fruit. It is important to get enough sleep, and in the morning before the procedure to have a light breakfast of permitted foods, for example, plain biscuits or porridge made with water. It is recommended to drink plenty of fluids: sweet tea, juice, compote or water.
Residents of Drohobych and the entire community are urged to join the campaign and help replenish the blood bank for local hospitals, critically ill patients and service personnel. The organisers emphasise that every donation is a real contribution to saving human lives.