Key Facts
- Hemopi reports a 30% drop in blood donations during the end-of-year period.
- Emergency demand increases during the holidays due to higher travel and road traffic.
- The blood center will be closed on December 25 and January 1.
- Donors must weigh more than 50 kilograms and be between 18 and 69 years old.
- Post-donation care includes avoiding alcohol for 24 hours and resting.
Quick Summary
The Centro de Hematologia e Hemoterapia do Piauí (Hemopi) has released its operational schedule for the holiday season and is urging the public to donate blood. The primary goal is to secure a safe stock inventory during a period when donation numbers typically decline while medical demand rises.
According to Hemopi, the end of the year usually sees a drop in donations of approximately 30%. Conversely, emergency medical attendances increase, largely driven by holiday travel and higher road traffic. To address this, the blood center has outlined specific hours for its units in Teresina, Parnaíba, Picos, and Floriano, ensuring the community knows when and where they can contribute.
The article also details eligibility criteria for donors, including age and weight restrictions, as well as necessary health precautions. Furthermore, it provides guidance on post-donation care to ensure donor safety. The facility will remain closed on December 25 and January 1.
Holiday Operations and Urgent Appeal
The Centro de Hematologia e Hemoterapia do Piauí (Hemopi) is maintaining its services during the festive period to address a critical gap in medical supplies. While the holiday season brings celebration, it also brings a statistical decline in voluntary blood donations. Hemopi reports that the flow of donations typically falls by 30% at the end of the year.
Despite this drop in donors, the demand for blood remains constant and often increases. The rise in urgency is attributed to increased travel and movement on the roads, leading to a higher frequency of accidents and emergency procedures. To mitigate the risk of shortages, the blood center is encouraging the population to donate in advance.
Regarding the specific operational status, the facility will function on a special schedule leading up to and following Christmas and New Year's Day. The units will be closed on December 25 and January 1. The specific operating hours are as follows:
- December 24: 7:15 AM to 5:00 PM
- December 25: Closed
- December 26: 7:15 AM to 6:00 PM
- December 27: 7:15 AM to 5:00 PM
- December 29 and 30: 7:15 AM to 6:00 PM
- December 31: 7:15 AM to 5:00 PM
- January 1: Closed
- January 2: 7:15 AM to 6:00 PM
- January 3: 7:15 AM to 5:00 PM
Official Statement
Susanne Rocha, the supervisor of donor capture at Hemopi, highlighted the discrepancy between the festive atmosphere and the ongoing medical necessity. She explained that while the number of donors usually falls, the need for blood does not diminish and frequently increases.
"No final do ano, o fluxo de doadores costuma cair, mas a necessidade de sangue não diminui. Em muitos casos é o contrário, a demanda aumenta. Por isso, reforçamos que a doação é essencial nesse período. Cada pessoa que doa ajuda a garantir que o Hemopi esteja preparado para atender quem mais precisa", Rocha stated.
This statement underscores the organization's reliance on community support to ensure they are equipped to handle whoever needs assistance during the holidays.
Donation Requirements and Locations
Prospective donors must meet specific criteria to ensure safety for both the donor and the recipient. The age requirement for standard donation is between 18 and 69 years old. However, youth aged 16 and 17 are permitted to donate provided they present authorization from parents or a legal guardian. A consent form is available on the Hemopi website.
Physical requirements are strictly enforced. Donors must:
- Weigh more than 50 kilograms.
- Be in good health, free from symptoms of flu or cold.
- Have slept at least six hours in the previous 24 hours.
- Avoid consuming alcohol for 12 hours prior to donation.
- Refrain from smoking for at least two hours before the procedure.
- Not be fasting on the day of donation.
Additionally, donors must present a valid photo ID recognized throughout the national territory. The blood center operates units in several cities to serve the wider region. Locations include:
- Teresina: Rua Primeiro de Maio, 235 - Centro (Sul)
- Parnaíba: Rua Vera Cruz, 870 - São José
- Picos: Rua Luiz Nunes, 174-270 - Bomba
- Floriano: Rua João Dantas, 126-232 - Centro
Post-Donation Care 🩺
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Specifically, the recommendations for the first 24 hours include:
- Avoiding the consumption of alcoholic beverages.
- Maintaining rest.
- Eating well and drinking plenty of water.
- Avoiding intense physical effort, such as heavy gym activities.
The Hemopi reinforces that this simple gesture can save lives and makes a significant difference during the holiday festivities.
"No final do ano, o fluxo de doadores costuma cair, mas a necessidade de sangue não diminui. Em muitos casos é o contrário, a demanda aumenta. Por isso, reforçamos que a doação é essencial nesse período. Cada pessoa que doa ajuda a garantir que o Hemopi esteja preparado para atender quem mais precisa"
— Susanne Rocha, Supervisor of Donor Capture at Hemopi
