Campaign Launched to Encourage Blood Donations in the Canary Islands
LAS PALMAS DE GRAN CANARIA, 4 July 2023 – The General Directorate of Blood Donation and Haemotherapy, part of the Canary Islands Health Service, is urging residents to donate blood this summer to help maintain hospital supplies across the archipelago.
The regional Health Ministry emphasised that blood and its components cannot be artificially manufactured, making voluntary donations crucial for ensuring availability. Each donation can assist multiple patients and provide essential support for those facing serious medical conditions.
To encourage participation, mobile blood donation units will be deployed next week, alongside fixed donation points on all islands.
On 4 July, donors can visit the Alisios Shopping Centre in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria from 08:30 to 13:30 and again from 16:30 to 20:30. In Tenerife, donations can be made at the Plaza de la Catedral in San Cristóbal de La Laguna from 10:00 to 13:45 and from 17:00 to 20:15.
Additionally, the Hospital Universitario de Canarias will accept donations on Saturday from 08:30 to 14:30 and 15:30 to 20:00, and on Sunday from 08:30 to 21:30. Interested donors can contact them at 922 678 670. The Hospital Universitario Nuestra Señora de Candelaria will be open on Saturday from 09:00 to 13:00 (922 602 060), and the Hospital Universitario Insular de Gran Canaria will take donations from 10:00 to 19:30.
Donation Requirements
To donate blood, individuals must meet certain criteria: be between 18 and 65 years old (up to 60 for first-time donors), weigh more than 50 kilos, be in good general health, and not be pregnant.
For more information, donors can call the free donor support line at 900 234 061 or visit efectodonacion.com.
