The Blood Bank at the General Accident Hospital “Ceibal” is facing a shortfall in blood donations, according to Rosa Salguero, head of the facility. She stated that each donation can help save between three and four lives, as one unit of blood provides red blood cells, plasma, and platelets for different treatments.
“The hospital has a high demand for blood due to treating patients with multiple traumas. The collected blood is used in transfusion therapies to save lives,” said Salguero.
Currently, the Blood Bank receives about 1,600 donors per month but needs around 2,000 to meet demand. This gap could impact those most in need. Many donors are motivated by having relatives hospitalized after traffic accidents.
“Donating blood does not require having a family member admitted. Any healthy person can come forward and do it voluntarily; the high demand is due to care for patients with severe trauma, chronic illnesses, and emergency surgeries,” Salguero added.
The donation process takes between 30 and 45 minutes and begins with a medical evaluation that includes checking vital signs and screening for diseases such as HIV, hepatitis, syphilis, or trypanosomiasis. This ensures safety for both donor and recipient.
Ariel Omar Chavarría shared his experience donating blood after his cousin was injured in a traffic accident: “It’s an agile and efficient process. One might think it could be painful or time-consuming, but it’s not like that. It’s quick and very easy. I see it as a ritual of love where we can save our relative’s life or others we don’t know but who need it.”
José Leonel Osorio decided to donate after a coworker was involved in an accident: “Many wanted to donate but couldn’t because of high blood pressure or taking medication. I had the opportunity and decided to do it. It’s important to raise awareness. Here at Ceibal, the attention was excellent—fast and professional.” He also commended staff at the Blood Bank for their organization and service.
Melvin Estuardo Pérez recounted how his brother David Gustavo was transferred urgently to Hospital Ceibal following a motorcycle accident on his way to work.
Blood donation hours are Monday through Friday from 6:00 am to 11:00 am; Saturday appointments must be scheduled via WhatsApp at 3361-2953.
Eligibility requirements include being aged 18–55 years old, weighing between 110–300 pounds (about 52–136 kg), being in good health, not having tattoos or piercings done within the last year, eating before donating while avoiding fatty foods, sleeping at least six hours beforehand, and bringing identification (DPI).
The act of donating blood is described by participants as altruistic and essential for saving lives.
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