Although the situation is not yet critical, the Red Cross warns that it could deteriorate quickly during the summer. The first blood donation drive takes place today, and the second is scheduled for the end of the month.
The Osijek City Red Cross Society has issued an urgent appeal to citizens to take part in voluntary blood donation drives, as supplies of all blood types at the Osijek University Hospital are currently low. The summer months and the holiday season are traditionally a critical period for blood collection. Two drives are planned for August, and the hospital says that while the situation is not yet alarming, it requires heightened vigilance.
The first blood donation drive will be held on August 11, 2026, while the second is scheduled for August 29. Organizers are calling on all eligible adult residents of Osijek to join and directly help maintain stable hospital supplies. The drives are conducted in cooperation with the Osijek-Baranja County.
Ana Mutnjaković, a representative of the Osijek City Red Cross Society, explained why the summer months are particularly sensitive for blood collection. She noted that this period sees an increased number of tourists and traffic accidents, which can lead to higher blood consumption, while the influx of new supplies declines.
"Currently, all blood types at the Osijek University Hospital are at low levels, but it is not yet critical. All surgical procedures and treatments are proceeding as planned. Given that we are in the summer months, which is the most critical time for blood supplies, this can change very quickly. There are more tourists and traffic accidents, and we have a lower influx of supplies," Mutnjaković told HRT.
Despite the low supplies, the Osijek University Hospital confirms that all planned surgical procedures and medical treatments are currently proceeding without delays. However, officials warn that the situation could change rapidly and urge citizens to take advantage of the announced dates and contribute.
Every collected unit of blood can be crucial for patients who need it during surgeries, emergency interventions, or other forms of treatment. Citizens are advised to follow the organizers' information about the exact location and time of the drives.
