Blood reserves at risk of “historic lows” over festive period

The Portuguese Federation of blood donors (FEPODABES) says it needs an “urgent mobilisation” of donors to avoid a shortage of blood of “really worrying and historic proportions” over Christmas and New Year. Reserves right now are “sufficient”, federation president Alberto Mota has told TSF radio, but November saw a “very significant” reduction in the number of donors, which if not remedied will cause serious problems. Mr Mota adds  it is “fundamental” that the way blood donation campaigns are run is changed, so that donations become a more regular practice. He fears the ‘week of contention’ between January 2 to 9 could add to the sector’s difficulties.