Urgent Appeal for Blood Donors in Lanzarote as Canary Islands Reserves Fall
Residents and visitors in Lanzarote are being urged to consider donating blood as health authorities work to rebuild critically low blood reserves across the Canary Islands.
The Canary Islands Health Service has issued an urgent appeal for blood donations following a significant fall in blood-component reserves.
Although donations are needed from all blood groups, the current appeal places particular emphasis on O positive, O negative, A positive and A negative blood types.
For Lanzarote residents, British and European visitors and other people who are eligible to donate, there is a permanent donation point at Hospital Universitario Doctor José Molina Orosa in Arrecife.
Blood donations urgently needed in Lanzarote
The shortage comes at a time when maintaining reliable blood supplies is particularly important for hospitals across the islands.
Blood cannot be manufactured artificially, meaning hospitals depend entirely on voluntary donations to maintain supplies for patients requiring transfusions and other medical treatment. The Canary Islands’ blood donation service encourages people to donate regularly rather than waiting until an emergency appeal is issued.
The latest appeal from the Dirección General de Hemodonación y Hemoterapia states that donations are required from every blood group, with O+, O-, A+ and A- currently of particular concern.
Why O positive donations are particularly important
O positive is one of the most common blood groups in the Canary Islands, accounting for around 35% of the population. A shortage of a common blood type can therefore have a substantial impact on the ability to maintain hospital supplies.
O negative is less common but also extremely important because O negative blood can be used in emergency transfusions when a patient’s blood group is not yet known.
However, the message from health authorities is clear: if you are eligible to donate, every blood group is valuable.
Where can you donate blood in Lanzarote?
For anyone living in or visiting the island, the permanent blood donation facility in Lanzarote is located at:
Hospital Universitario Doctor José Molina Orosa
Arrecife, Lanzarote
The current published opening hours for blood donation are:
Monday to Friday: 8:30am – 1:00pm
Except public holidays.
The Banco de Sangre de Canarias also operates temporary mobile donation points around the islands. In Lanzarote, recent campaigns have included a donation point at Centro Comercial Deiland, making it easier for people in the south-east of the island to donate without travelling into Arrecife.
Because mobile collection locations and opening times change regularly, donors should check the latest information before travelling.
Can tourists donate blood in Lanzarote?
Visitors should check their individual eligibility with the blood donation service before attending.
The basic requirements published by the Canary Islands health authorities include being 18 to 65 years old, weighing more than 50 kilograms and being in generally good health. People making their first donation must meet the applicable age requirements, and there are circumstances in which someone may temporarily be unable to donate.
If you’re unsure whether you can donate while visiting Lanzarote, the official donor information service can provide advice before you attend.
The free donor information telephone number is:
The service is available Monday to Friday from 8:00am until 10:00pm.
Why summer can put extra pressure on blood supplies
The appeal comes during a period when blood donations traditionally become more difficult to maintain.
Summer brings millions of visitors to the Canary Islands, while many regular residents may be away on holiday. At the same time, hospitals continue to need blood for operations, emergencies, cancer treatments, transplants and other medical care.
The Canary Islands health service has repeatedly highlighted the importance of maintaining regular blood donations throughout the year, with a recommendation that eligible donors give blood at least twice a year.
This is particularly important because blood and its components cannot simply be produced when stocks run low.
A simple way to help while living in or visiting Lanzarote
For many people, donating blood takes relatively little time but can make an enormous difference to somebody receiving treatment in a Canary Islands hospital.
Whether you are a Lanzarote resident, long-term expat or an eligible visitor, checking whether you can donate could be one of the simplest ways to support the local community.
And while the current appeal highlights O+, O-, A+ and A-, the Banco de Sangre de Canarias is asking for donations from all blood groups.
If you are eligible to donate blood in Lanzarote, consider making an appointment or visiting an official donation point. Your donation could help someone who urgently needs it.
Lanzarote blood donation information
📍 Hospital Universitario Doctor José Molina Orosa, Arrecife
🩸 Monday–Friday, 8:30am–1:00pm
📞 Donor information: 900 234 061
🌐 Official information: Banco de Sangre de Canarias – Efecto Donación
Opening times and mobile donation locations can change, so check the official service before travelling.
