Blood supplies across Cyprus have fallen to critical levels ahead of the August 15 holiday period, prompting an urgent appeal for donors.
Around 350 units of blood are needed each day, but scheduled donations indicate that collections could drop to just 190 to 200 units in the coming days.
Difficult weeks ahead
Head of the Blood Centre Dr Androulla Panayiotou told CNA that supplies were currently at “critical levels”, warning that this week, next week and the period immediately after August 15 were expected to be particularly difficult.
“We need to make another appeal to the public to visit blood donation centres, give blood and help their fellow citizens. Even 15 to 20 minutes of their time would help us,” she said.
Although satisfactory quantities were collected over the weekend, current projections for the coming days have raised concern.
“We need 350 units a day. If we begin collecting around 190 to 200, as the scheduled blood drives currently indicate, then we will face a serious problem,” Panayiotou warned.
Organised blood drives decline
Supplies in recent days were supported by organised blood drives within the National Guard. Those drives have now been completed, while collections at workplaces, universities and other organisations decline significantly during the summer holiday period.
“Organised groups do not hold blood drives during these days because they know that many people are away and several workplaces are closed,” Panayiotou said.
“As a result, we do not have the organised blood drives that usually help us reach 350 units per day.”
She urged people who are already on holiday or preparing to leave to take a few minutes to donate.
“Blood donation centres are open across Cyprus. People should visit and dedicate 15 minutes of their time to help save lives,” she said.
Blood donation centre opening hours
The centres will operate as follows during the week of August 10 to 16:
Nicosia, Engomi Health Centre
Monday to Friday: 07:30-20:00
Saturday: Closed for public holiday
Telephone: 22809098
Geri Health Centre
Monday to Friday: 07:30-20:00
Saturday: Closed for public holiday
Telephone: 22309221
Limassol, Old Hospital
Monday to Friday: 07:30-20:00
Saturday: Closed for public holiday
Telephone: 25730277
Larnaca General Hospital, third floor, new wing
August 10-12: 07:30-20:00
August 13-14: 07:30-15:00
Saturday: Closed for public holiday
Telephone: 24800402
Paphos, Royal Business Centre
August 10-11: 07:30-20:00
August 12: 07:30-15:00
August 13: Closed
August 14: 07:30-20:00
Saturday: Closed for public holiday
Telephone: 26306409
Famagusta, 2 Sotiros Street, Paralimni
August 10, 11 and 13: 07:30-15:00
August 12: 07:30-20:00
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed for public holiday
Telephone: 99287584
Further information about donation centres and external blood drives is available on the Blood Centre’s Facebook page.
Source: CNA.
