Urgent plea for blood donations needed
The Portuguese Federation of Blood Donors (FEPODABES) has issued an urgent call for increased blood donations throughout July and August, as blood reserves in hospitals across the country are critically low during these summer months [1]. This drop in donations occurs due to many regular donors being absent during their holidays, while hospital demand for blood remains high, with approximately 1,100 units required every day.
The low reserves have already led to some surgeries being postponed, demonstrating the urgent need for donations to prevent further disruptions in patient care. To address this issue, FEPODABES has been supplementing blood supplies by importing from the Azores and Madeira [1].
If you wish to support this call, donating blood is a straightforward process. You can contact local hospitals or blood donation centers such as Santa Maria Hospital or the Portuguese Institute of Blood and Transplantation (IPST). Before donating, you will be required to register, undergo a brief health screening, and meet basic eligibility criteria, such as being over 18 years old, weighing more than 50 kilograms, and being in good health.
Many hospitals and blood centers have scheduled donation sessions, and you can usually find information on donation locations and opening hours through IPST or hospital websites. FEPODABES has also launched a campaign called "Give Blood Before Going on Vacation," encouraging all eligible individuals to donate [1].
FEPODABES, a non-profit institution dedicated to blood donation activities and promoting social and humanitarian solidarity in the field of benevolent blood donation, is taking steps to address the issue of low blood reserves in Portugal. The organization has proposed extending blood collection hours until September 15th, with the aim of allowing healthy people to donate blood at the end of their workday and at the end of a day at the beach. This proposed change would allow blood donation until 9:00 PM in Porto, Coimbra, Lisbon, and at the Central Hospitals of Porto, Coimbra, Lisbon, and Algarve.
However, the situation remains difficult, with Álvaro Beleza, director of the Immuno-Hemotherapy Service at the Santa Maria Local Health Unit, expressing his concerns. Alberto Mota, president of FEPODABES, has stated that the months of July and August are critical for blood reserves due to summer holidays [1]. The ongoing blood collection cancellations due to staff shortages at the three blood centers are also a cause for concern.
In conclusion, your donation can help ensure that surgeries and treatments continue without delay during this period. To find out more about official blood collection locations, visit the FEPODABES website (www.fepodabes.pt) or download the APP/DSANGUE. Your support is crucial in addressing this critical situation in Portugal.
[1] Based on information from various sources.
- To help prevent further disruptions in patient care during the summer in Portugal, consider donating blood at hospitals or blood donation centers like Santa Maria Hospital or the Portuguese Institute of Blood and Transplantation (IPST).
- FEPODABES, the Portuguese Federation of Blood Donors, has proposed extending blood collection hours until September 15th, allowing people to donate after work and at the end of a day at the beach in Porto, Coimbra, Lisbon, and at the Central Hospitals of Porto, Coimbra, Lisbon, and Algarve.
- According to FEPODABES' campaign "Give Blood Before Going on Vacation," eligible individuals are encouraged to donate blood to support the critical need for blood reserves in Portugal, especially during the months of July and August.
