From early morning, the lobby of the assembly hall in Building 3 on Moskovskoye Shosse, 34, was bustling with activity. Students and staff arrived with their passports, registered, and lined up for the donor chairs. The first day of Samara University's traditional autumn blood donation campaign attracted 43 participants, 13 of whom joined the donor movement for the very first time.
"Our campaign is a two-day event, and donors can register at their convenience," explains Tatyana Morozova, Head of the Student Health Promotion Center. "The campaign is held in an extended format: you can donate whole blood, and additionally join the Federal Registry of Bone Marrow and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Donors. To do this, you just need to provide a 3 ml blood sample for HLA typing. The data will be entered into the federal registry, and if your phenotype ever matches a patient in need of a bone marrow transplant, you will be contacted. Matches are rare—one in ten thousand—but they are exactly what gives a chance at survival to those who cannot live without a donor."
Among those coming to donate blood are students, staff, and faculty. Some have been coming every year, while others are here for the first time. For many, it has become a cherished tradition to come, knowing they are truly expected and welcome.
"After donation, we always offer donors sweet tea; it helps the body recover faster, which is a medically proven fact," Tatyana Morozova explains. "We are also traditionally supported by our partners: Dodo Pizza, Rameno water from Laguna, and chocolate from the Union of Mechanical Engineers. This year, a new partner has joined us—'Tolkov Med' honey. We want to say thank you to everyone: without their support, the campaign would be entirely different. It is delightful to see the number of partners growing every year."
She separately highlighted the work of the medical volunteers: "The Samara Regional Clinical Blood Transfusion Station is operating at our venue. Meanwhile, medical volunteers—students from the medical university—help in the relaxation area, monitor the donors' well-being, and are always nearby if support is needed."
The volunteers guided donors along the route, monitored their well-being, and handed out custom stickers. Among those greeting the donors today was Olga Kolobova, a fifth-year student at the Institute of Engine and Power Plant Engineering. She has been participating in this campaign for the fifth year in a row, but not in the donor chair—rather, among the volunteers.
"I have been volunteering since my first year, and for the fifth year now, I've been stationed right here," Olga shares. "You always run into acquaintances here whom you don't see often because of our studies: we have industrial practicums and classes, so our schedules don't always align. But when you come here, everyone is like family. It’s a place where you can just be together and help others at the same time."
She shared that she wanted to become a donor, but it didn't work out: "First, there were issues with my hemoglobin levels. Then it turned out I have the Kell-positive blood factor. Only 3% of people in the world have it, and my blood is not suitable for most recipients. I decided: if I can't be a donor, I will be a volunteer and help those who want to help others!"
Olga notes that donation campaigns are different from other university events: "Usually, a volunteer has a specific function: to greet or register people. But here it’s different—people come, smile, and share treats. It’s very pleasant and valuable. Everyone here feels like family."
Mikhail Sokolov, a fourth-year student at the Institute of Law, donated blood today for the fifth time. He first came to the donation campaign in October 2025 after learning about the opportunity from the university's social media and the volunteer donor club activists.
"I donate blood because I believe that my small action, which is easy for me to do, can save someone's life. That inspires me," says Mikhail. "The most important thing is to just make the decision. I trust the doctors: they always ask if I'm feeling okay, which gives me the confidence that I won't be left alone in any situation."
To students who are still hesitating, Mikhail advises: "Spending just 20 minutes of your life is a very small price that can save someone's life. If you look into it, ask the guys from the student association or the medics, the unknown will disappear, and the fear will go away. And then the choice becomes obvious: your donation can truly help someone."
Tomorrow, October 14, the campaign will continue. You can still join us from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM in the lobby of the assembly hall, Building 3.
What you need to know before donating:
- Bring your passport and SNILS (pension insurance certificate).
- You do not need to donate on an empty stomach! Have a light breakfast and sweet tea in the morning.
- No alcohol for 48 hours; no analgesics or aspirin for 72 hours.
- The day before and on the day of donation: avoid fatty, fried, and smoked foods, sausages, meat, fish, dairy products, eggs, butter, chocolate, nuts, and dates.
- Do not smoke for one hour before the procedure.
All details on preparation, contraindications, and registration can be found in the "Donor of Samara University" VKontakte group.
