Canary Islands Health Service Urges Public to Donate Blood Amid Supply Needs

The Canary Islands' healthcare system relies heavily on a steady supply of blood, a vital resource that cannot be manufactured. The Canary Islands Health Service (SCS) is urging the public to donate, noting that a single donation can help up to three different patients.

To make donating easier, the General Directorate of Blood Donation and Hemotherapy has expanded its collection points. A mobile unit will be stationed at the El Trompo Shopping Center in La Orotava this Thursday and Friday, open from 10:15 to 13:30 and 17:15 to 20:30.

In Tenerife, there are several fixed donation centers:

• Santa Cruz: The center on Méndez Núñez Street is open Monday to Friday, 9:15 to 20:15.
• San Isidro (Granadilla de Abona): The local health center is open for donations from 10:00 to 13:30 and 14:15 to 19:30. Parking is available, and you can call 677 980 518 for assistance.

Several hospitals also accept donations:

• University Hospital of the Canary Islands: Open Sunday to Friday (8:30 to 21:30) and Saturday (8:30 to 14:30 and 15:30 to 20:00). Call 922 678 670 for information.
• Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria University Hospital: Open Monday to Friday (8:00 to 20:00) and Saturday (9:00 to 13:00). Call 922 602 060.
• San Juan de Dios Hospital: Open Monday to Friday, 10:30 to 12:30.
• Hospiten Bellevue (Puerto de la Cruz): Open Monday to Friday, 11:00 to 14:30. Please call 922 385 235 (option 1) to book an appointment.

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

For more information or to check your eligibility, you can call the toll-free number 900 234 061 or visit efectodonacion.com.