Blood donation drives launched in Spain and Argentina amid seasonal shortages

Health authorities in Spain’s La Rioja region and the Canary Islands, together with the Argentine Red Cross in San Isidro, are urging the public to donate blood as seasonal shortages arise. In La Rioja, Director Dr. Gabriela Liendo highlighted that January‑July typically sees reduced collections due to holidays and limited external drives. She called on anyone aged 16‑65, especially those who have not donated in the past three months, to visit donation posts in Chilecito, Chamical, Villa Unión, Chepes and Aimogasta.

The Canary Islands’ Servicio Canario de Salud announced a summer campaign, deploying mobile collection units to centres such as Alisios in Gran Canaria and Leroy Merlín in Adeje, while keeping fixed sites operational across all islands to sustain supplies needed for surgeries, oncology treatments and transplants.

Meanwhile, the Red Cross of San Isidro scheduled a one‑day blood‑donation event on 25 July, providing health guidelines and eligibility requirements for donors aged 16‑65. All three initiatives stress the importance of regular, voluntary donations to maintain adequate blood reserves for hospitals.