A weighty recognition with a long tradition
Wearing a medal is one of the oldest forms of public recognition we have. Long before diplomas and award ceremonies there was the medal: a small, enduring object of metal, worn visibly on the chest, saying that its bearer has done something for others than themselves.
A medal of merit is not awarded for a single feat, but for perseverance – for years of repeated service that is rarely seen and rarely acknowledged. That is precisely why it carries weight.
Blood donation is a service to society performed in silence. It is given without payment, without an audience, and without the donor ever learning who was saved. Over a long donating life a single person may have helped save hundreds of lives without meeting any of them. The medal makes that deed visible.
Three grades
The medal is awarded in bronze, silver and gold. Bronze is reached at 500 points, Silver at 1,000 points and Gold at 1,500 points. Points are calculated from the number and type of donations.
How points are calculated
Each recurring donation type can contribute no more than 100 points per calendar year. Points are distributed across the guideline maximum number of donations shown below. The calculation retains fractions for a fair total, while My pages always displays earned whole points.
| Type of donation | Maximum number | Maximum points |
|---|---|---|
| Platelets | 10 per year | 100 per year |
| Whole blood | 4 per year | 100 per year |
| Granulocytes | 6 per year | 100 per year |
| Plasma | 24 per year | 100 per year |
| Stem cells | 1 per lifetime | 100 |
| Bone marrow | 1 per lifetime | 100 |
The annual cap ensures that the medal reflects sustained commitment rather than a short, intensive period. At 100 points per year, the grades can first be reached after 5, 10 and 15 years respectively.
| Grade | Points threshold | Earliest after |
|---|---|---|
| Bronze | 500 | 5 years |
| Silver | 1,000 | 10 years |
| Gold | 1,500 | 15 years |
Points continue to accumulate in the same way. On My pages, you can register donations and follow your current points level.
Application and redemption fee
The medal is not awarded automatically. An application is sent to the association together with details of the number and type of donations, which you can obtain from your blood centre.
The association assesses the application and decides the grade. Once approved, the applicant pays a redemption fee covering the cost of striking and engraving the medal, after which it is made and sent to the recipient.
Contact the association for an application form and the current fee.