On application, and against a redemption fee, the Swedish Blood Donors Association awards its medal of merit to those who have rendered commendable service to blood donation. The medal is issued in bronze, silver and gold.
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. The grade is determined by the number of points the donor has accumulated, calculated from the number of donations and the type of donation.
How points are calculated
| Type of donation | Points per donation | Maximum points per year |
|---|---|---|
| Plasma donation | 1.5 | 24 |
| Whole blood donation | 10.0 | 40 |
| Platelet donation | 8.0 | 80 |
The annual cap ensures that the medal always reflects a sustained commitment rather than a short, intensive period.
| Years | Plasma | Whole blood | Platelets | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 years | 120 | 200 | 400 | Bronze |
| 10 years | 240 | 400 | 800 | Silver |
| 15 years | 360 | 600 | 1,200 | Gold |
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.