On the first day of the drive in Vrbovec, 64 units of blood were collected, with record donor Danijel Sinković having given 200 in total. Supplies have dwindled over the summer, so citizens are urged to donate.
The summer months traditionally bring a drop in blood supplies, increasing the need for new donations across Croatia. To ensure sufficient quantities for all patients, extraordinary blood donation drives are being organized. One such drive will take place on Friday, August 14, 2026, at the Donja Stubica Fire Station.
The drive is organized by the Croatian Red Cross, specifically the Donja Stubica Red Cross Society, in cooperation with the Croatian Institute of Transfusion Medicine in Zagreb. All healthy donors will be able to give blood from 2 PM to 6 PM.
Meanwhile, in Vrbovec, the third four-day blood donation drive began on Monday, August 10, organized by the Vrbovec Red Cross Society and the Croatian Institute of Transfusion Medicine. On the first day, a total of 72 voluntary donors showed up, and 64 units of blood were collected.
Director Jelena Mucko particularly highlighted the record holder among donors. "We must highlight Danijel Sinković from Vrbovec as the record holder with a total of 200 donated units," Mucko stated. The drive in Vrbovec runs until 6 PM.
During the summer, there is an increased number of travels and traffic accidents, while the regular needs of the healthcare system do not subside. This further increases the need for blood, and every donated unit can be crucial for treatment and saving someone's life.
The Vrbovec Red Cross Society thanked everyone who responded and "donated their 15 minutes, which means a lifetime to someone." Organizers note that the four-day drives, alongside regular monthly ones, allow donors who miss a slot due to illness or obligations not to wait three months for the next opportunity to donate.
