Moscow Region reports 54,500 blood donors so far this year

The regional Health Ministry said 2,100 more residents donated blood or its components than during the corresponding period last year.

Moscow Region Health Minister Maxim Zabelin presented the figures on October 13. The ministry said the total concerned people who had donated blood or its components since the start of the year. It does not represent the number of transfusions or the volume collected.

Donated blood is used in treating severe injuries, burns and the consequences of operations, as well as cancer, blood disorders and other conditions. Zabelin said patients needed that support every day.

Donation takes place at the Moscow Regional Blood Centre, its branches and transfusion departments in medical institutions. The region also regularly holds mobile donation events. The ministry said healthy people older than 18 could donate if they had no contraindications. That eligibility condition does not establish that every applicant is medically suitable.