More than 1,260 blood and plasma units were collected as a result of the blood donation event “Donate Blood, Save Lives!” which was staged on June 14, on the occasion of World Blood Donor Day, the National Blood Transfusion Center has said.

“The donated blood is a priceless gift for many persons who struggle to see the sunrise, who were involved in an accident or need surgery or organ transplantation,” the Center said in a press release.

Earlier, Health Minister Ala Nemerenco said that over 120,000 blood transfusions are done each year and a minimum of 70,000 persons need to donate blood for the purpose. Due to voluntary blood donation, the Republic of Moldova has the necessary blood stocks to intervene in any situation of risk when blood is needed.

Blood can be donated by persons who turned 18, weight over 50 and are in good health.