The appeal from IPST and FEPODABES comes within the scope of National Blood Donor Day, which is celebrated today.

“Right now, at the reserve level, we have four groups at a level below the desired level: A+, A-, O+ and O-. All other groups are at levels considered good, with seven, nine, 10 days. These four groups are around three/four days, five days maximum, and, therefore, we are a little worried”, the president of FEPODABES told Lusa agency today.

According to Alberto Mota, between 1,000 and 1,100 units of blood are needed every day.

The appeal for blood donation is made to “all healthy people over 18 years of age, weighing more than 50 kilograms and under 65 years of age”.

Recalling the seasonality of blood donation, Alberto Mota recognised a lack of literacy about donation, ensuring that awareness-raising work must be carried out.

The president of IPST also stated that all people from groups A+, A-, O+ and O- "are very welcome” to donate blood.

“At this time of year, we always have a shortage resulting from the Easter period and the absence of people for the Easter holidays”, said Maria Antónia Escoval.

The leader said that the donations continue, despite the “usual challenges related to demographic changes, the aging of the population and the departure of the working-age population outside the country”, as well as “climate changes that always affect the gift of blood, especially in the summer.”

Even so, Maria Antónia Escoval welcomed the increase in donations made by people who were not born in the country.

“[Blood donation] has increased extraordinarily among people who were not born in Portugal, but who reside in Portugal. Blood can enter Portugal from all people who live or reside in the country for reasons related to the traceability of blood components”, she highlighted.

Information on official blood collection locations is available at www.fepodabes.pt and on the www.dador.pt portal.