The Community of Madrid maintains red alert due to blood shortage and calls for urgent donations

Blood reserves in Madrid hospitals are at 35% capacity, enough for just a day and a half. 1,000 daily donations are needed to ensure care.

The Community of Madrid has activated a red alert due to the shortage of blood in all blood groups. The banks in regional hospitals have stocks that barely reach 35% of their capacity, which means only a day and a half margin to cover healthcare activities, according to the Ministry of Health.

The situation has worsened due to successive heatwaves in recent weeks, which have reduced the influx of donors. Meanwhile, hospital demand remains stable: surgical interventions, cancer treatments, emergencies, and transplants continue as normal.

Urgent need for donations

To recover safe reserve levels during the summer, the region needs to receive around 1,000 daily donations. The Blood Transfusion Centre of the Community of Madrid reminds that a single donation can save several lives and that some procedures, such as a liver transplant, may require up to 200 bags of blood.

“The red alert means that reserves are at a critical level and that any emergency could compromise care,” health sources warn. Therefore, the call is directed to all citizens, especially those who have not yet donated this summer.

Requirements and donation points

Donating blood is a safe and quick process. The basic requirements are: being between 18 and 65 years old, weighing more than 50 kilograms, and being in good health with healthy lifestyle habits. It is not necessary to come on an empty stomach.

People in Madrid can donate at public hospitals in the region, at the Blood Transfusion Centre of the Community of Madrid, at designated mobile units, and at Red Cross donation points. The Ministry of Health encourages those who can to come in the coming days to help recover reserves that remain at critical levels.

For residents of the capital and municipalities in the region, the recommendation is to check the Blood Transfusion Centre's website to locate the nearest point. The donation, in addition to saving lives, takes only 15 to 20 minutes, including the pre-donation questionnaire and the subsequent rest.

The red alert will remain in place until reserves reach a level considered safe, which will depend on the public's response. Meanwhile, hospitals continue to operate normally, but with just enough margin.