Kharkiv hospitals are facing a shortage of donor blood
Doctors in frontline Kharkiv report a shortage of blood for transfusions and are calling on residents to donate. The deficit could impact wounded soldiers on the front lines and civilians injured in daily shelling. The city's Blood Service supplies not only local hospitals but also frontline areas in the region. Since January 2025, it has also been providing blood to medical facilities in the Sumy region, according to Blood Service representative Valentyna Taran.
The city’s blood reserves are being depleted faster than they can be replenished, but some supplies remain, said Serhii Hladkyi, a transfusion specialist at the Blood Service. To prevent a critical situation, the service is urging Kharkiv residents to donate in advance.
“Our mission is to ensure that hospitals never experience a blood shortage,” said Serhii Hladkyi, a transfusion specialist at the Blood Service. “We don’t sound the alarm when supplies are gone—we can’t allow a situation where we have nothing to send to hospitals.”
Olena Volobuieva has been donating blood regularly since the start of the full-scale invasion, as often as the procedure allows—every three months. Her motivation is simple: to help.
“This is the least we can do to support the army. If you’re healthy, you should absolutely donate blood,” she said.
In the days following the announcement of a blood shortage, long lines formed at donor centers. However, doctors emphasize that the need for blood has not decreased since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, highlighting the necessity of a steady, consistent supply—without drops or spikes. Since blood can only be stored for up to 42 days, creating long-term reserves is not possible.
One of Kharkiv’s blood centers is located in the underground of the Nikolsky shopping and entertainment center, allowing it to operate independently of air raid alerts. This setup ensures that residents can safely donate blood even during shelling.
The entire donation process takes only a few minutes. After registration, a quick blood test is conducted to check hemoglobin levels, blood type, and potential infections. A doctor also consults with the donor to confirm their health and ability to safely give blood.
Any capable Ukrainian citizen aged 18 or older, weighing at least 50 kilograms and without contraindications, can donate blood. Prior to donation, it is recommended to refrain from smoking, consuming alcohol, medications, and energy drinks, as well as follow specific dietary guidelines the day before.
Author: Victoria Kalimbet
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