The Canary Islands Regional Health Service (SCS) is making it easier for residents and visitors of El Tanque, Tenerife, to donate blood. A mobile donation unit has been set up in the town today, February 16, 2026, offering a convenient location for those looking to contribute to the region’s blood supply. This initiative underscores the ongoing need for blood donations to maintain adequate reserves, particularly as the islands prepare for the Carnival season.
The mobile unit is stationed in front of the local training center and will be open from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and again from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM. The effort by the Directorate-General for Blood Donation and Hemotherapy aims to bolster supplies and ensure hospitals have the resources needed to meet patient demands. Maintaining a consistent blood supply is crucial for treating a range of medical conditions, from emergencies to routine surgeries.
Donation Locations Across Tenerife
For those unable to reach the mobile unit in El Tanque, several fixed donation points are available throughout Tenerife. The Santa Cruz de Tenerife blood donation center, located on Méndez Núñez street, is open Monday through Friday, excluding Tuesdays, from 8:15 AM to 8:30 PM. Another fixed location operates at the San Isidro Health Center in Granadilla de Abona, accepting donations Monday through Friday (excluding Tuesdays) from 8:15 AM to 7:30 PM. Donors at this location benefit from reserved parking and can reach the center by phone at 677980518.
Hospital-based donation centers also provide convenient access. The University Hospital of Canarias accepts walk-in donations from Sunday to Friday and on public holidays from 8:30 AM to 9:30 PM, and on Saturdays from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM and 3:30 PM to 8:00 PM. Contact them at 922 678 670. Similarly, the Nuestra Señora de Candelaria University Hospital welcomes donations without appointments Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM and Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM (excluding public holidays), reachable at 922 602 060.
Hospiten Bellevue, located in Puerto de la Cruz, requires appointments for donations, which can be scheduled by calling 922 385 235 (option 1) Monday through Friday from 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM (excluding public holidays). The Hospital San Juan de Dios, on Carretera de Santa Cruz La Laguna, nº53, accepts donations Monday through Friday from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM, excluding public holidays.
Who Can Donate?
The Directorate-General for Blood Donation and Hemotherapy has outlined specific requirements for potential donors. Individuals must be between 18 and 65 years old (up to 60 for first-time donors), weigh over 50 kilograms (approximately 110 pounds), and be in good general health. Pregnant individuals are not eligible to donate. Those with questions about their eligibility can contact the free donor information line at 900 234 061.
Importance of Regular Donations
Donating blood is a vital act that directly impacts the health and well-being of the community. Regular donations – at least twice a year – are encouraged to ensure a stable supply of blood components throughout the Canary Islands. The SCS actively promotes blood donation campaigns, particularly during peak tourist seasons and events like Carnival, when demand can increase. The ongoing efforts to provide accessible donation options, such as the mobile unit in El Tanque, demonstrate a commitment to meeting the needs of patients across the region.
The availability of multiple donation locations and flexible hours aims to accommodate diverse schedules and make it easier for individuals to contribute. The SCS emphasizes that every donation can save lives, and encourages eligible residents and visitors to participate in this essential healthcare practice.
Looking ahead, the Directorate-General for Blood Donation and Hemotherapy will continue to operate fixed and mobile donation points across the islands. Further information on upcoming donation drives and eligibility criteria can be found by contacting the SCS directly or visiting their official website.
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