A day off in Italy or free health insurance in Croatia: European incentives for blood donation

More than one million Spaniards donated blood or blood components in 2023. The total number was 1,122,239, and 16.16% (181,342) were first-time donors.

This voluntary , altruistic, and charitable act saves lives around the world. In general, adults who weigh more than 50 kilos and have not suffered from any blood-borne diseases can donate, with a limit of three times a year for women and four times a year for men.

There are exceptions that temporarily prevent donation. For example, if you have undergone surgery, you must wait one week for minor surgery and four months for major surgery. If you have tattoos or piercings , you must also wait four months without donating.

However, other people will never be eligible to donate: those with hepatitis B , even if they have already recovered, hepatitis C, or HIV . This recommendation extends to insulin-dependent diabetics, patients with epilepsy (up to three years without treatment), or those suffering from a serious illness.

Luis Larrea , a member of the Spanish Society of Hematology and Hemotherapy (SEHH), explains to this newspaper that donation campaigns are being held, "although it's difficult to reach the entire population." "Currently, there are many messages seeking solidarity from everyone, and this is just another one. There are targeted campaigns during times when supplies are low, such as Easter or Christmas," he confesses.

In fact, he says they're currently immersed in a campaign to recruit plasma donors [the liquid part of blood, a clear or slightly yellowish liquid that makes up around 55% of total blood volume ]. "The levels are low, and it's needed for the manufacture of medicines. National and regional campaigns have been carried out, and so far, the response has been good, although we would like to see the number increase," he continues.

Likewise, she emphasizes the importance of being a donor: "There are people who only realize they have a lack of blood when they have a health problem. We're concerned that the population is aging, and we need to recruit young donors . The population pyramid has inverted, and we need to diversify campaigns. Previously, print and television campaigns worked, but now they're more focused on social media . You have to adapt to these types of messages, and sometimes it's difficult."

In some countries, such as Italy, Croatia, and the Czech Republic , employees are granted 24-hour leave after donating blood. In Spain, employees have the right to take time off work to donate blood without losing pay. This leave is regulated, and advance notice must be given to the employer, along with proof from the donation center.

In the case of Giorgia Meloni's country, patients with cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic alcoholism, or drug addiction are always excluded. Furthermore, Italy has more than 4,000 collection points, and some associations offer free breakfasts and medical examinations for donors.

In Ireland, the blood transfusion service calls for donations several times a year and holds special recognition ceremonies for those who have donated between 50 and 100 times .

Croatians also enjoy a paid day off . The privileges don't stop there; for donors insured by the Croatian Health Insurance Institute, women who have donated more than 25 times, and men more than 35 , the state finances their supplementary insurance premiums. Furthermore, in Zagreb , donors who donate more than 20 or 30 times are entitled to a free annual public transport ticket .

For its part, Austria pays 40 euros for each plasma donation. The age limit for donations, including blood donations, is 70 years old, provided it's not the first time.

In Lithuania , iron supplements are offered for three months to donors whose hemoglobin level is too low to donate. The country's national blood center estimates that donations have increased over the past ten years, especially among young people . "Fewer and fewer people believe the myths surrounding this issue; they understand that it's safe, and this reduces fear," they comment.

Finally, in the Czech Republic, donors are entitled to paid leave covering travel, donation, and the subsequent 24 hours of recovery, although they must request it in advance. Cities like Prague offer free annual travel passes, and some insurance companies offer assistance for certain health services, such as dental hygiene.