Blood supplies across Cyprus are at critical levels, prompting the Director of the Blood Center, Dr. Androula Panagiotou, issuing a new appeal to the public to visit blood donation centers, especially in light of the difficult period around the Feast of the Assumption.
In statements to KYPE, Dr. Panagiotou noted that “we are at critical levels right now,” noting that this week and next week are expected to be particularly difficult, as are the days following the Feast of the Assumption.
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“We need to make a new appeal to the public to come to the blood donation centers, donate blood, and help their fellow human beings. Even 15 to 20 minutes of their time will help us,” she said.
Dr. Panagiotou explained that approximately 350 units of blood are needed daily to meet the needs of the entire island.
As she noted, the Blood Center managed to collect sufficient quantities over the weekend; however, the outlook for the coming days is cause for concern.
“We need 350 units a day. If we start collecting around 190–200, as scheduled blood drives currently indicate, then we’ll face a serious problem,” he warned.
He noted that the supply levels of previous days were maintained thanks to organized blood drives held in the military. However, these have now concluded, and during the summer vacation period, organized blood drives at workplaces, universities, and other organizations are significantly limited.
“Organized groups aren’t holding blood drives these days, as they know that many people are away and quite a few workplaces are closed. As a result, we are not seeing the organized blood drives that usually help us reach our daily goal of 350 units,” she said.
The Director of the Blood Center once again urged citizens—whether they are on vacation or preparing to leave—to take a few minutes to donate blood.
“There are blood donation stations open throughout Cyprus. It would be good for people to come in and spend 15 minutes of their time to help save lives,” she said.
For the week of August 10–16, blood donation centers will operate as follows:
Nicosia – Engomi Health Center
Monday–Friday: 7:30 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Saturday: Closed
Tel.: 22809098
Gerios Health Center
Monday–Friday: 7:30 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Saturday: Closed
Phone: 22309221
Limassol – Old Hospital
Monday–Friday: 7:30 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Saturday: Closed
Phone: 25730277
Larnaca – General Hospital, 3rd floor, new wing
August 10–12: 7:30 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
August 13–14: 7:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Saturday: Closed
Tel.: 24800402
Paphos – Blood Donation Center, Royal Business Center
August 10–11: 7:30 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
August 12: 7:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
August 13: Closed
August 14: 7:30 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Saturday: Closed
Phone: 26306409
Famagusta – Paralimni, Sotiros 2
August 10, 11, and 13: 7:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
August 12: 7:30 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed
Tel.: 99287584
More information about the stations and off-site blood drives is posted on the Blood Center’s Facebook page.
