Blood Donation Boosts Coming to Tenerife: A Few Tips for You

Hey expats and digital nomads in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, you might not have noticed, but the Canarian Health Service is gearing up for a major blood donation push next week. That’s right, they’re bringing the mobile units to town. Now, I know what you’re thinking: 'Delphine, another reminder for blood donation? Can’t we just focus on the beach and margaritas?' But this time, it’s important to know the details because it could affect your health and the community.

Starting this weekend, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, and La Palma will see increased donor support. Tenerife alone will have mobile units in Adeje, Tacoronte, La Orotava, and San Cristóbal de La Laguna. The mobile unit at Leroy Merlin Adeje will run on Monday and Tuesday, while the main hospital in Tenerife will be open from 8:30 to 21:30 both days. In Tacoronte, a mobile unit will be along the main road from Wednesday to Friday. And the La Orotava shopping centre will host a unit on Monday and Tuesday. Gran Canaria will have donations in Las Palmas, Santa María de Guía, and San Bartolomé de Tirajana, with a mobile unit at the Universidad del Atlántico Medio from Monday to Wednesday.

For the rest of the Canary Islands, fixed donation points will be available in Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro, with specific hours for each location. If you’re planning to visit the hospital, make sure to call ahead: 922 678 670 for the Hospital Universitario de Canarias and 922 602 060 for the Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria Dr. Negrín.

So, if you’re feeling a little peckish, or perhaps a little too full, and you’ve got a spare hour, consider rolling up your sleeve. Regular donations are recommended at least twice a year, and the Canarian Health Service is counting on you to help maintain adequate blood reserves for surgeries, accidents, and cancer treatment. Who knew blood donation could be so exciting?