Call for Blood Donations in Tenerife this Summer
The Canary Health Service (SCS) is urging both residents and visitors in Tenerife to donate blood regularly this summer to ensure adequate reserves of blood products in the region.
The General Directorate of Blood Donation and Hemotherapy has stated that donating at least twice a year is crucial for maintaining sufficient blood component availability for hospitals and healthcare needs. To encourage donations, the SCS will deploy mobile extraction units across Tenerife next week alongside established fixed donation points.
Mobile blood collection will occur in several municipalities, including Candelaria, San Miguel de Abona, La Orotava, La Laguna, and Adeje, in addition to hospitals and fixed donation centres.
Blood Donation Points This Weekend
This weekend, those wishing to donate can visit the collection site at the Club Mar Radazul from 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM and 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Hospital-based donation facilities will also be open. The University Hospital of the Canary Islands (HUC) will accept donations on Saturday from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM and 3:30 PM to 8:00 PM, with extended hours on Sunday from 8:30 AM to 9:30 PM. Meanwhile, the University Hospital Nuestra Señora de Candelaria will be open for donations on Saturday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Upcoming Collection Events
Next week, the SCS will bring mobile units to Candelaria, with collections at the Puntalarga Sports Pavilion from Monday to Wednesday. In San Miguel de Abona, donations will take place from Monday to Thursday to facilitate access for the southern population. Mobile units will also be stationed in La Orotava at the Multicentro El Trompo and at various locations in La Laguna, including Finca España and the Plaza de la Catedral.
Another collection will occur on Saturday in Adeje at Leroy Merlin.
Fixed Donation Centres in Tenerife
In addition to mobile units, fixed donation sites will remain operational across the island. Residents can donate at regular locations in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Granadilla de Abona, Hospiten Bellevue in Puerto de la Cruz, and the Hospital San Juan de Dios in La Laguna. This combination aims to make donating more accessible, especially during the busy summer months when participation typically declines.
Who Can Donate Blood?
To donate, individuals must be between 18 and 65 years old, with a first-time donor limit of 60 years. They must weigh over 50 kg, be generally healthy, and not be pregnant at the time of donation. The SCS emphasises that regular donations are vital, as blood cannot be manufactured and has a limited shelf life. Continuous participation from the public is essential, particularly in summer.
Blood Donation Across the Canary Islands
While the campaign is heavily focused on Tenerife, blood donation points will also be available throughout the Canary Islands. In Gran Canaria, mobile units will operate from Monday to Thursday at the Las Arenas Shopping Centre, moving to Gran Canaria Arena on Friday. Other points will be established in Tamaraceite, San Mateo, and Santa Lucía de Tirajana, alongside fixed hospital sites.
Other islands like Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro will provide similar donation facilities in hospitals and designated locations to increase public access.
