We recommend that you upgrade to the latest version of your browser.
arendalsuka-2026
Nokblod at Arendalsuka 2026
The Norwegian Centre for Blood Preparedness (Nokblod) participated in Arendalsuka 2026 with both an exhibition stand and a dedicated event to highlight the importance of blood preparedness.
Published 9/29/2026
Minister of Health Jan Christian Vestre collected blood under the guidance of Idunn Lindal Haug, from volunteer donor Svein S. V. Lindgaard, both representing Nokblod. Photo: Hanne Braathen, Nokblod.
Throughout the week, Nokblod shared an exhibition stand with collaborators from Arendal, Kristiansand, Alta, and Tromsø. This collaboration contributed to the recruitment of several new blood donors. At the stand, we had many valuable conversations with members of the public and representatives from other organisations. It is clear that blood preparedness is an issue that engages people, and interest in the topic continues to grow.
Minister of Health Jan Christian Vestre visited Nokblod’s stand during the event. Under the guidance of Nokblod staff, he collected a unit of whole blood using the same principles employed by Norway’s Walking Blood Bank programmes. The procedure was successfully completed on the first attempt, resulting in a full unit of fresh whole blood.
On Tuesday, 11 August, Nokblod hosted a panel discussion together with key stakeholders in civilian and military healthcare and blood preparedness. During the discussion, participants emphasised the importance of coordination and strong dialogue between the various sectors involved. One of the main conclusions from the panel was the need to establish a prioritised ten-point action plan supported by all relevant stakeholders. Representatives from the Norwegian Armed Forces also highlighted the importance of establishing domestic production of freeze-dried plasma in Norway.
Photo Gallery
Image 1/5
Nokblod representatives together with colleagues from Sørlandet Hospital and Alta.
Photo: Margrete Tennfjord, NITO
Preparing for blood collection at the exhibition stand.
Photo: Bjarne Krogstad, NITO
Representatives from Nokblod and the intensive care nursing specialist group of the Norwegian Nurses Organisation.
Photo: Hanne Braathen, Nokblod
The first part of the panel discussion featuring Mirjana Arsenovic, Senior Transfusion Medicine Specialist at the Blood Bank of the University Hospital of North Norway (UNN), and Jørn Rasmussen, Chief Medical Officer of the Norwegian Army.
Panel discussion with Torunn Oveland Apelseth (moderator), Helen Brandstorp, Kristine Romøren, Inger Cathrine Bryne, Petter Iversen, and Cecilie Daae.
Photo: Hanne Braathen, Nokblod
Photo Gallery
Image 1/5
Fullscreen images
Nokblod representatives together with colleagues from Sørlandet Hospital and Alta.
Photo: Margrete Tennfjord, NITO
Preparing for blood collection at the exhibition stand.
Photo: Bjarne Krogstad, NITO
Representatives from Nokblod and the intensive care nursing specialist group of the Norwegian Nurses Organisation.
Photo: Hanne Braathen, Nokblod
The first part of the panel discussion featuring Mirjana Arsenovic, Senior Transfusion Medicine Specialist at the Blood Bank of the University Hospital of North Norway (UNN), and Jørn Rasmussen, Chief Medical Officer of the Norwegian Army.
Panel discussion with Torunn Oveland Apelseth (moderator), Helen Brandstorp, Kristine Romøren, Inger Cathrine Bryne, Petter Iversen, and Cecilie Daae.
Photo: Hanne Braathen, Nokblod
