Blood donation – Photo: Pixabay Reading time of the article: approx. 2 minutes –
The Blood and Tissue Bank of the Balearic Islands has made an urgent appeal to the public to donate blood of the O-positive and O-negative blood groups, given the serious shortage in the Community Health System. The reserves of these groups are below 50% of the optimal amount, which barely covers the needs for two days, the organization said in a statement on Monday (12/08/2024).
The situation is particularly critical in mid-August, as donations usually drop significantly during this month, while the need for blood in hospitals increases, especially among young patients who require transfusions to help them recover.
In addition, the need for blood components is high in oncohematological patients and transplant recipients who depend on transfusions for survival.
The blood bank has reminded that 200 blood donations are needed every day to ensure adequate care for patients in the Balearic Islands, but currently only half of the donations required are being received. Any healthy person between 18 and 65 years old who weighs more than 50 kilos can donate blood. The voluntary and selfless donation takes between 20 and 30 minutes and is essential to save lives, the organization stresses.
Interested parties can visit the website www.donasang.org Make an appointment to donate. The blood and tissue bank at Calle Rosselló y Cazador 20 in Palma is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. There are also several donation points on the three islands.
Source: Agencies
