29 June 2026, Bratislava – The Slovak National Gallery (SNG) is joining a nationwide initiative to support voluntary non-remunerated blood donation, jointly prepared by the Ministry of Health of the Slovak Republic and the Ministry of Culture of the Slovak Republic. The project, which begins on 1 July 2026 and will run for one year, has been joined by 16 cultural institutions from across Slovakia.
The project was officially launched at the SNG in the presence of Martina Šimkovičová, Minister of Culture of the Slovak Republic, Kamil Šaško, Minister of Health of the Slovak Republic, and Ivan Oleár, Director of the National Transfusion Service. Both ministers signed a Memorandum of Cooperation on the occasion, declaring their shared commitment to promoting blood donation and raising awareness of its irreplaceable importance for healthcare in Slovakia.
The aim of the initiative is to encourage the public to donate blood voluntarily and without remuneration, to help healthcare facilities maintain sufficient supplies of this life-saving fluid, and to recognise those who have chosen to help others.
"It is both a great honour and a responsibility for us to be part of a project that recognises people willing to help others selflessly.
Blood donors, through their decision to donate, often contribute to saving lives in acute medical situations, surgeries, or complex treatments. The Slovak National Gallery therefore joins this initiative with deep respect. I also wish to express my gratitude to all those who regularly give the most precious gift – helping a fellow human being," said Juraj Králik, Director General of the Slovak National Gallery.
For a period of one year, from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027, the Slovak National Gallery will offer the following to holders of awards for voluntary non-remunerated blood donation:
holders of the Ján Kňazovický Medal will receive free admission to the gallery,
holders of the Diamond and Gold Plaque of Prof. MUDr. Ján Janský will receive a 40% discount on admission.
Blood donors will be required to present their certificate of award, stating the holder's name and the relevant award category.
Cultural institutions from across Slovakia have joined the initiative to support voluntary non-remunerated blood donation, each offering a range of benefits and discounts for blood donors. Further information is available on the websites of the participating organisations and on the website of the Ministry of Culture of the Slovak Republic.
According to data from the Slovak Red Cross, which has recorded holders of the highest awards for voluntary non-remunerated blood donation from all providers of this service in Slovakia since 2014, there are currently:
2,675 holders of the Ján Kňazovický Medal,
5,620 holders of the Diamond Plaque of Prof. MUDr. Ján Janský,
22,993 holders of the Gold Plaque of Prof. MUDr. Ján Janský.
These figures confirm that Slovakia has a strong community of individuals who, through their regular blood donations, make a significant contribution to preserving the health and lives of patients. It is precisely to them that this project is dedicated, as a token of appreciation and public recognition.
The Slovak National Gallery values all voluntary blood donors and believes that this joint initiative will help raise awareness of the importance of voluntary non-remunerated blood donation and support this vital public service.
