Canary Islands Face Critical Blood Shortage: Urgent Appeal for Donors – Your Help is Needed Now!
The Canary Islands are experiencing a worrying decline in blood reserves, prompting an urgent plea from the General Directorate of Hemodonation and Hemotherapy of the Canarian Health Service (SCS). Hospitals across the archipelago are reporting increased demand, leading to critically low supplies of vital blood types, especially 0- and 0+. This isn’t just a health concern; it’s a community emergency, and every donation counts.
Why the Urgent Need?
Blood group 0- is particularly vulnerable due to its rarity and universal donor status. While only individuals with 0- blood can receive 0- blood, it can be transfused to anyone, making it essential in emergency situations when a patient’s blood type is unknown. The recent surge in hospital admissions has rapidly depleted existing stocks, leaving healthcare professionals deeply concerned. This isn’t a problem confined to a single hospital; it’s a system-wide challenge demanding immediate action.
Where Can You Donate in Gran Canaria?
If you’re in Gran Canaria and ready to help, several donation opportunities are available. Today, November 5th, and tomorrow, November 6th, a campaign is running at the Montaña de Cardones Campus, open until 7:30 PM today and 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM tomorrow. A mobile unit is stationed on Fernando Caubín Ponce Street in Arucas until Friday, operating from 9:00 AM to 1:45 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:45 PM. Further options include a mobile unit on the Paseo Marítimo of El Puertillo on Friday from 4:00 PM to 8:45 PM, and donation points at the Ministry of Education (Friday, 9:00 AM – 1:45 PM) and Alcampo Telde (Thursday & Friday, 4:00 PM – 8:45 PM). Fixed collection points are also available at various hospitals and health centers.
Donation Locations Across the Islands
The call for donations extends across all the Canary Islands. Here’s a breakdown of locations:
- Tenerife: Mobile units are visiting Santa Úrsula (until Friday) and the European University of the Canary Islands (November 5th & 6th). Fixed points are available at El Trompo Shopping Mall, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Granadilla de Abona, and several university hospitals.
- Fuerteventura: Donation points are available at the Antigua Youth Center (Thursday) and the Puerto del Rosario Technology Park (Friday), as well as the General Hospital of Fuerteventura.
- Lanzarote: Donate at the Yacomar de Tías Sociocultural Center this week or at the Doctor José Molina Orosa University Hospital.
- La Palma: The University Hospital of La Palma has a fixed collection point with extended hours.
- La Gomera: The Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe Hospital is accepting donations Monday-Friday.
- El Hierro: Donate at the Nuestra Señora de los Reyes Insular Hospital on Mondays.
Who Can Donate?
You may be eligible to donate if you are between 18 and 65 years old (up to 60 for first-time donors), weigh over 50 kilograms, and are in good general health. Women who are pregnant should not donate. But beyond the requirements, it’s about a willingness to help. Donating blood is a remarkably selfless act that can literally be the difference between life and death for someone in need.
More Than Just a Donation: The Lifesaving Impact
Blood donation isn’t just about replenishing supplies; it’s about supporting complex surgeries, treating accident victims, managing chronic illnesses like leukemia, and ensuring safe childbirth. The demand for blood is constant, and a single donation can save up to three lives. It’s a powerful way to contribute to the well-being of your community. The Canarian Health Service is committed to ensuring a safe and efficient donation process, with trained professionals and stringent safety protocols in place.
For more information on donation locations, mobile unit schedules, and eligibility requirements, please visit www.efectodonacion.com, follow the SCS on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or YouTube), or call the toll-free number 900 234 061. Don’t delay – your donation could be the lifeline someone desperately needs. The health of the Canary Islands depends on the generosity of its citizens.
