Blood bank calls for donations ahead of summer slump

Catalonia's Banc de Sang i Teixits blood bank has put out a call for donations ahead of the summer vacation season as it estimates supplies will drop by 30% in the coming weeks, more than in previous years with greater Covid restrictions and fewer people traveling. 

The blood bank currently has five days' worth of supplies – below the optimal aimed-for amount for eight days – and will need at least 40,000 donations in July and August in order to treat those in need.

Who can donate blood?

Most people between the ages of 18 and 70 who are in good health, not pregnant, and weigh over 50 kg can donate blood.

Anyone who has lived in the United Kingdom for over a year between 1980 and 1996 is not allowed to be a donor, nor are intravenous drug users, those with Hepatitis, HIV, or anyone who has had multiple sexual partners in the past four months.

Men can give blood up to four times a year, while women can do so three times, as long as they wait two months between each donation.