Blood Donation in Summer and During Heatwaves?
What should I keep in mind, and why is it important to donate blood?
Summer is one of the most beautiful seasons of the year. We enjoy the sun and the sea, prepare for vacations, and spend more time with our loved ones. However, it is also a critical period for the healthcare system and for patients who rely on blood transfusions to survive.
The extreme heat, combined with planned getaways and vacations, leads to a decrease in blood donations every year. This results in a concerning drop in blood and blood product reserves, making the need for donations even more urgent to ensure that no life is at risk.
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Where Can I Donate Blood in the Summer?
Blood donation centers in public hospitals operate as usual during the summer months. Before heading off on vacation, you can donate blood at urban blood centers, which are open primarily on weekday mornings and early afternoons.
If you’re looking for donation options outside working hours:
- Athens: Agios Savvas Hospital operates daily until 6:00 PM, and KAT Hospital until 8:00 PM. Additionally, hospitals like Evangelismos, KAT, and Paidon Agia Sofia are open on weekends.
- Thessaloniki: Hippocrateion Hospital’s blood donation center is open on weekdays (5:00 PM – 7:00 PM) and weekends (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM).
- Patra: The blood donation centers at Agios Andreas Hospital and the University Hospital of Rio operate daily and on weekends from 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM and 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM.
On the islands, blood donation centers are available in Syros, Crete, Lemnos, Mytilene, Chios, Samos, Rhodes, Corfu, Kefalonia, and Zakynthos. Visiting the local hospital to donate blood is crucial for meeting both regular and emergency needs due to the increased summer traffic and wildfire emergencies.
Find all blood donation centers in Greece here.
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How to Prepare for Blood Donation During a Heatwave
Let’s start with the basics: YES! You can donate blood even during a heatwave, with some extra precautions to ensure you are well-rested and properly hydrated. Here’s what to keep in mind before and after donating blood:
1. Drink plenty of water and fluids before donating and throughout the rest of the day.
2. Increase your salt intake the day before and after donating blood.
3. Stay in cool, shaded areas. Avoid prolonged sun exposure or spending hours at the beach on the day of your donation.
4. Refrain from intense exercise or standing for long periods on the donation day.
If you’re considering donating blood for the first time, the free time of summer can be an excellent opportunity to get informed and visit the nearest donation center!