Canary Islands Health Service Issues Urgent Appeal for O-Negative Blood Donors

The Canary Islands’ healthcare system is facing a critical challenge: a shortage of O-negative blood. Because this blood type is the "universal donor"—meaning it can be given to any patient in an emergency, such as during severe bleeding or complex surgery—it is a vital resource that must be constantly restocked.

The Canary Islands Health Service (SCS) has issued an urgent appeal for donors with this blood type to visit a collection center. Health officials recommend that O-negative donors give blood at least every six months to ensure reserves remain stable.

To help, the SCS has set up donation points across the islands:

• Tenerife: You can donate at the fixed sites on Calle Méndez Núñez in Santa Cruz and the San Isidro Health Center, as well as at the Hospital Universitario de Canarias, Hospital Universitario Nuestra Señora de Candelaria, Hospital San Juan de Dios, and Hospiten Bellevue.
• Gran Canaria: Donation points include the office on Calle Alfonso XIII, the Vecindario Health Center annex, the Insular, Materno Infantil, and Doctor Negrín hospitals, and Hospiten Roca.
• Other Islands: Collections are held at the main general hospitals: Molina Orosa (Lanzarote), the General Hospital of Fuerteventura, the General Hospital of La Palma, Hospital Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (La Gomera), and Hospital Insular Nuestra Señora de los Reyes (El Hierro).

To donate, you must be between 18 and 65 years old (first-time donors must be under 60), weigh at least 50 kilograms, be in good health, and not be pregnant.

For information on opening hours, appointments, or any other questions, please check the official SCS website or contact their support line.