Blood Bank to resume regular hours of operation today

Donations urged to bolster supply after passage of tropical storm

Donors can visit the Blood Bank facilities, located next to the main parking lot of the Medical Center complex in Río Piedras, from Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

By The Star Staff

Puerto Rico Medical Services Administration (ASEM by its acronym in Spanish) Executive Director Jorge Matta González announced Wednesday that the Puerto Rico Blood Bank at the Medical Center (Centro Médico) in Río Piedras will resume its services today to receive blood and platelet donors, after the temporary closure of the facilities due to the passage of Tropical Storm Ernesto.

“Tomorrow [Thursday] the Blood Bank will be ready to receive all those who wish to make their valuable contribution by donating blood,” said Matta González, who also serves as executive director of the University Hospital for Adults (UDH). “All scheduled appointments will also be rescheduled or, if you wish, you can call (787) 777-3844 to coordinate a new appointment.”

César Torres Castro, the ASEM’s laboratory, pathology and blood bank manager, added that “now more than ever, it is essential that the community goes to donate blood because blood is crucial to save lives.”

Donors can visit the Blood Bank facilities, located next to the main parking lot of the hospital complex, from Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Blood Bank provides blood and blood components to the UDH, Pediatric Hospital, Industrial Hospital, Trauma Hospital and the Municipal Hospital of San Juan.

The basic requirements to donate are to be at least 18 years old (minors under 16 and 17 years old can donate with their parents’ permission), weigh more than 110 pounds (130 pounds for minors under 16 and 17 years old) and be in good health. For questions about requirements, call (787) 777-3844 or write to citasbancosangre@asem.pr.gov.