The appeal comes at a time when the institute’s blood reserves are below desirable levels for several blood types. The IPST states that the situation is worrying, mainly in A+, A-, O+ and O- blood types.

“Therefore, we urge everyone to donate blood before or during the holidays, so that we can maintain blood reserves at adequate levels and meet the needs of patients who require blood transfusions to live,” the institute said in a statement.

Expats can also help

Expats can donate blood to IPST, helping the Portuguese health authorities increase the blood supply.

Any person aged 18 or older, weighing more than 50 kilograms, who leads a healthy lifestyle may donate blood in Portugal.

Before proceeding with the donation, a medical evaluation is conducted by a healthcare professional, who will ask questions about the donor’s lifestyle. Not knowing the blood group is not a big deal, as after the first collection, an analysis is made to determine the blood type.

To make sure that the donor’s blood is safe, the professionals will also screen for diseases, namely Hepatitis A and C, as well as the presence of HIV or Aids and Syphilis.

The health authorities recall that all blood types are necessary, as some are compatible with others, ensuring that everyone who needs blood has it available in an emergency.

Quick process

The process is described as quick, painless and easy, adding that the donors will know that the gesture is helping thousands of people in Portugal who are in a difficult situation.

Donating blood is more than just increasing the blood supply in Portuguese hospitals; donating around 10% of your blood can save someone’s life, and it means knowing that somewhere there is a family who would do everything to thank you for donating blood.

The institute reminds that “donating blood is a simple gesture, with no contraindications for healthy adults,” explaining that “you just need to be over 18, under 70, weigh 50 kg or more, and be healthy.”

At the time of donation, it is important to be well hydrated and fed. The donor can schedule their donation at www.ipst.pt.

The IPST also advises donors to complete the self-assessment questionnaire, available at www.ipst.pt, before going to a collection site.

Reduction of donors

The IPST says that, as is usually the case during the summer months, starting in July, there is “a significant reduction in the number of donors,” mainly due to the holiday period and high temperatures.

However, it warns, “the needs of hospitals remain unchanged, as there continue to be patients who require daily blood transfusions, victims of road accidents, cancer patients, scheduled surgical interventions, and emergency situations.”

Advising donors

Until 15 September, on Mondays and Fridays, IPST will publish, on its social networks, the groups most in need, calling on the population to be attentive and help the institute “give more life to life.”