‘It Could Save Someone’s Life’

On September 17, Donor Day took place at HSE University. Held every few months, it is an opportunity for HSE students, graduates, staff, and lyceum pupils to give blood and learn more about blood donation. The campaign was organised by the HSE University Centre for Leadership and Volunteer Work, which has launched the Pulse HSE project (link in Russian) to raise awareness about donation.

‘We involve students, staff, and graduates in the donation community, and we are pleased to see the response. We usually register 130–150 donors, but this time about 170 signed up,’ said Adel Fayzullina, Manager of the Centre for Leadership and Volunteer Work at HSE University. She added that the next donation drives are set to take place in November and February.

Adel explained that donors receive a small food stipend and may be entitled to social benefits. ‘If you donate whole blood 20 times or plasma 30 times (though at HSE we only take whole blood donations), you can become an Honoured Donor of Moscow. One of the benefits of this is free public transport,’ she explained.

However, those who want to donate blood must prepare properly beforehand. ‘You have to eat healthily the day before and morning of donation: no meat, sausages, products with food colourings, milk, or eggs. You should eat bland and simple food to ensure that the donated blood is as suitable as possible for those who need a transfusion. Before giving blood, you should drink a lot of water, and you can also have fruit drinks (like mors) and tea. It’s also important to keep your stress levels down, as this can also affect the quality of your blood,’ said Adel Fayzullina.

Before giving blood, each donor is examined by a doctor who checks their blood pressure and haemoglobin level. If the doctor finds that blood donation may be detrimental to the donor’s health, they will not allow the procedure to go ahead.

Damir Samov, first-year student of the Bachelor’s in Advertising and Public Relations, gave blood for the first time. ‘My family are all doctors. My mum often gave blood, and I understand why it’s important,’ said the student. ‘I’m trying to be an active participant and I want to do something good.’ Damir believes that when an opportunity to help people appears, one must take it. ‘Giving blood is a cool and helpful thing,’ he added.

Dmitry Artemov, first-year student of the Bachelor’s in Law, tried to give blood in May but was not allowed due to improper preparation. ‘Giving blood is a form of volunteering that unquestionably helps people. That’s why I’m taking part in this blood drive,’ said the student.

Alexander Semerikov, second-year student of the Bachelor’s in Economic Analysis, had given blood before and believes that it is important and beneficial to society as a whole. ‘Giving blood doesn’t cause me any discomfort, and it could save someone’s life. I plan to give blood regularly in the future—I don’t experience any bad side effects,’ he added.

It was also not the first time giving blood for Elena Chirkova, invited specialist at the Continuing Education Centre of the HSE University Faculty of Computer Science. ‘I gave blood several times when I was a student,’ she explained. ‘There is no question that giving blood is important. Campaigns like this raise awareness of this issue, give people a chance to try it, and inform them about what donation is and why it’s simple—not scary. When HSE University runs such campaigns, it’s always about care, including for the donors. When you arrive, you’re greeted by volunteers, given tea and something to eat, and asked how you are. And you realise that it’s all very straightforward, effortless, and nothing to be afraid of.’

Each donor gives about 450 ml of blood, which could save three people’s lives. Donors must be healthy adults without chronic illnesses. Those interested in learning more can join the Pulse HSE Telegram community (in Russian).

September 23