The summer months are the times, when hospitals feel the shortage of the donated blood for the…read morepatients. So, if you were thinking about starting to donate blood - this is the perfect time to do it. At the first you just take the blood test, which checks if you may be a donor in the future, usually it takes in between 3-6 weeks from the first visit to the actual first blood donation. It might take longer, if you take the test in the blood-buses. The blood station at Hötorget is located at the exit from the metro, and it will suit well for the people working in this area, as it is located so centrally. The personal is extremely friendly and helpful, and even if it is your first experience (as it was in my case), do not be scared, you will be taken a very good care of. After the donation, you will be invited for a fika with some sandwiches and snacks. Also you will get little present for being so courageous for donating blood. This time it was a lottery ticket - very cute little thing that definitely boosts the mood. The blood test visit may take around 20 minutes, for actual donation you would probably need some 30 minutes to have a proper rest after donation. Donating blood is important! Go for it!