Brazilian blood banks in Dourados and Mato Grosso urge urgent O+ and O‑negative donations

The Hemosul blood bank in Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, reported having only four units of O+ blood – about 8% of the level considered safe for the city’s hospitals and those of ten surrounding municipalities. The shortage could force the postponement or cancellation of surgeries, including cardiac procedures that may need up to ten units. The centre asks donors aged 16‑60 (up to 69 for repeat donors), weighing at least 51 kg and in good health, to donate at its Rua Oliveira Marques location.

Meanwhile, MT Hemocentro, the sole public blood bank in the state of Mato Grosso, warned of critically low stocks of O‑negative and also low levels of B‑negative blood. To boost supplies, the centre extended Saturday hours and encourages volunteers of all blood types to donate at its main site on Rua 13 de Junho in Cuiabá and at 15 collection points across the state, including Rondonópolis, Sinop and Várzea Grande. Donors must be 16‑69 years old, meet weight and health criteria, and present official ID.

Both facilities stress that donations are essential to keep public hospitals fully operational and to avoid interruptions in patient care.