Lithuania's National Blood Center (NKC) has raised an alarm regarding the declining number of new blood donors, highlighting potential future problems for the healthcare system. Last year, nearly 8,000 first-time donors registered, a slight increase from previous years, yet still insufficient to compensate for the number of existing donors who may no longer be eligible due to age, health conditions, or personal circumstances. The NKC has called on citizens to become blood donors and to encourage their friends and family to do the same.

With everyday demands for blood in hospitals for various medical conditions including planned and emergency surgeries, as well as for cancer patients, the NKC emphasizes the need for a sustainable supply of donors. Aging populations pose a challenge not only in Lithuania but across many European countries, where longtime donors may age out of the donor pool due to health factors. The organization's director, Daumantas Gutauskas, stresses that attracting new donors is crucial to maintaining blood supply levels needed to support the healthcare system.

The NKC advises potential donors who have recently recovered from illnesses, such as the flu, to wait before donating blood to ensure safety and eligibility. The growing concern about the declining numbers of active donors and the implications for patient care highlight the need for ongoing community engagement and awareness campaigns to foster a culture of blood donation in Lithuania.