PEOPLE in Donegal are being urged to consider donating blood in the wake of Storm Éowyn, which has left supplies very low.
The urgent call has been made by the Irish Blood and Transfusion Service (IBTS)
The IBTS is asking for immediate public and donor support to help recover the national blood supply, with current supplies under three days for many blood groups.
The recent severe weather events, including Storm Éowyn, and high levels of respiratory illness within communities has significantly impacted our blood collections and we are running critically low in blood stocks and need the public’s help.
Clinics will take place in the Inishowen Gateway Hotel, Buncrana, on Monday, February 17 from 6.30pm to 9.40pm, and on Tuesday, February 18 at 2.30pm until 5.10pm. The clinics are appointment based. Please call 1800 731 137 for an appointment.
“In order to avoid putting further pressure on our hospital system, we need over 12,000 donations in the coming days and weeks, to restore the blood supply, and safely support our health service,” said Paul McKinney, director of Donor Services and Logistics.
“In 2024 the IBTS issued the highest number of blood donation units to Irish hospitals in over a decade, at just under 128,500 units. This exceptionally high demand has continued unabated into 2025”.
“We also urgently need new donors, younger donors, donors of all ethnicities and in particular, those of African heritage.
“We are asking people who might never have given blood before, or it’s been a while, to make it their goal to give blood, and the priceless gift of life, to those in our communities and hospitals who need it,” added Mr McKinney.
Donors who receive a text message from can book an appointment online at www.giveblood.ie or contact the number provided.
For anybody interested in becoming a donor, you can register your interest on our website (www.giveblood.ie) where you will also find all clinic locations/opening hours and eligibility details, or call us at 1800 731 137.
For further information on donating blood please visit www.giveblood.ie.
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