Social responsibility and overall badges: SAMO and the Finnish Red Cross Blood Service encourage SEAMK students to donate blood

The Finnish Red Cross Blood Service organises a blood donation event on SEAMK Campus in Seinäjoki every autumn. However, the number of donors on campus has remained relatively low year after year, even though approximately 6,000 students and around 400 staff members study and work at Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences (SEAMK). Blood donors are urgently needed, as every donor is a lifesaver and blood cannot be replaced by medication. A single blood donation can help up to three patients, since donated blood is separated into red blood cells, plasma, and platelets, allowing each patient to receive exactly the component they need.

Those who have donated blood on SEAMK Campus have considered blood donation an important way to help others. But why have so few people attended? It was time to investigate what could be done to improve the situation.

A SEAMK Wellbeing Labs assignment helped identify the root cause

Through SEAMK Wellbeing Labs, the Blood Service commissioned two social services students to investigate what measures should be taken to improve participation in the blood donation event. According to a survey conducted among students and staff, the visibility of the blood donation event needed to be improved and publicity increased. For many respondents, the event had come as a surprise, while others had not seen any advertising related to it at all.

“According to the results, 41% of respondents were unaware of the event. The wish for more effective promotion was also evident in the open-ended responses. This clearly showed us an area that needed development,” says blood donation nurse Heli Mäkelä.

The survey also revealed that donating blood on SEAMK Campus was considered easy and practical. In addition, the threshold for participating was lower because people could donate blood directly on campus rather than having to travel elsewhere to lend a helping hand.

Increased visibility for an important cause

In many student cities, students play a key role as partners in blood donation campaigns. Therefore, the social services students who carried out the assignment initiated discussions with the student union SAMO about establishing cooperation around blood donation.

SAMO responded enthusiastically, and its wellbeing officer Venla Honkala eagerly embraced the proposal.

SAMO wants to contribute to social responsibility, and cooperation around blood donation is an excellent way to do so. The campus event will be promoted on SAMO’s social media channels, and there may even be a special overall badge available for students who attend the blood donation event, in addition to the badges provided by the Blood Service.

“I hope that as many people as possible find their way to the blood donation event and realise that participating does not have to be difficult or complicated. If donating blood is possible for you, you can even come with a friend. At the same time, you can do something good together and encourage others to participate as well,” Venla Honkala suggests.

Donor Groups create a sense of community

Donors can choose to join a Donor Group during the donation event and contribute points to their selected group’s total score. A Donor Group may be a workplace, educational institution, hobby group, or any other community whose members collect points through blood donation visits.

Anyone can join a group simply by mentioning its name when donating blood. Appropriate Donor Groups for the SEAMK Campus donation event includes the SEAMK Donor Group and the Student Union SAMO Donor Group.

The Blood Service is approaching this year’s donation event with great enthusiasm.

“Now more than ever, we have a great opportunity to reach SEAMK students and staff and encourage them to donate blood. Many people want to help, and thanks to SAMO we can now give this cause greater visibility and ensure that as many people as possible are aware of the event,” says Heli Mäkelä.

A small personal act can have a significant impact

“In my opinion, blood donation is one of the most concrete ways to help another person. There is also something truly special about the fact that a small act on your part can help someone whom you may never even meet,” says Venla Honkala, SAMO’s Wellbeing and Sports Officer.

From SAMO’s perspective, it is important to be involved in making such a meaningful cause visible to students and staff.

Student life often emphasises community spirit, and according to Honkala this is one practical way to extend that spirit beyond our own student community.

“You never know when a loved one or a complete stranger might need help. If a small action on your part can make a difference in that situation, it is worth ceasing the opportunity.”

“In addition, an overall badge is certainly a pleasant extra incentive for many students. It is also nice to look at your overalls later and see the important causes and activities you have chosen to participate in,” Honkala adds.

Information about blood donation

Most people aged 18–70 are eligible to donate blood. You can book an appointment for blood donation at veripalvelu.fi/en(Opens in a new window), but you are also welcome to donate without an appointment.

The electronic health questionnaire available on the Blood Service website can be completed no earlier than one day before your donation. Please bring an official photo ID that includes a Finnish personal identity code, such as a driver’s licence, identity card, or passport.

After donating, light refreshments will be available, and of course, participants will receive overall patches. Please allow approximately one hour for the entire donation visit.

For more information about blood donation, please visit veripalvelu.fi/en.(Opens in a new window)