The national blackout that put Madrid in survival mode has resulted – in addition to delays at Barajas airport, traffic jams and serious problems in the city’s rail service – in a drop in blood donations.
The Community of Madrid has published a report encouraging the population to become donors, as it is estimated that during the May 2 long weekend there will again be a drop in donations.
According to the Community of Madrid, “the beneficiaries are patients who go to hospital emergencies, undergo surgery or require transfusions for their treatments”. Those patients who need a transfusion cannot substitute the requirement for any other therapy: blood cannot be manufactured and its components expire.
Where to donate blood in Madrid
Donations are made at the Transfusion Center of the Community of Madrid, from 8:30 am to 9:30 pm every day except Sundays and holidays, which only receive donors until 2:00 pm. The center can be reached by public transport, both by metro (Valdebernardo, line 9) and bus (lines 71, 130, 8 and E4). It is also recommended to donate at mobile points such as the one on Gran Vía street (corner of Montera) or the one in Fuencarral.
Which blood groups are most in demand
Some blood groups are more in demand than others. The current status of groups A+, AB+, B+ and AB- is optimal. On the other hand, groups 0-, A- and B- need emergency donations. The 0+ requires extra donations within 2 days.