Andorra Blood Drive Collects 192 Donations, Nears 200 Goal at Basketball Pavilion

The seventh "La jugada que salva vides" blood donation campaign at Andorra la Vella's Toni Martí Pavilion, known to basketball fans as the Bombonera, gathered 192 donations on Monday, falling just short of the 200 target. Organized by the Andorran Red Cross, MoraBanc Andorra, and the government, the event from noon to 8 p.m. yielded 182 effective donations and 10 offers, including 28 first-timers who help renew the donor pool.

Steady crowds filled the venue throughout the day, with strong turnout at midday and in the afternoon, similar to last year's 206 donations at the same location. This marked the second drive of the year after 436 at the Andorran School, as efforts continue toward exceeding the prior annual total of about 1,400.

Health Minister Helena Mas and Secretary of State Cristina Pérez took part, underscoring official support. Mas described the event as a key display of collective commitment to personal and public health, with the government backing all donation initiatives. Red Cross director Jordi Ribes praised the citizen response and new donors, which bolster supplies through ties to the Andorran Health Care Service and Catalonia's blood bank. He stressed the need for such regular campaigns to maintain steady reserves and noted the newcomers' role in future sustainability.

MoraBanc Andorra president Gorka Aixàs, sports director Francesc Solana, and staff including Paco Vázquez and Chechu Bermudo donated early. Aixàs highlighted the club's pride in partnering to blend sports with social good and amplify participation.

Donors included 110 men (57%) and 82 women (43%), with the 45-54 age group leading at 75, followed by 55-64 (46) and 35-44 (31). Younger donors remained limited, an area for future focus. O positive (57) and A positive (56) topped blood types, though negative groups and AB are crucial for specific medical demands.

The drive also promoted bone marrow registration for ages 18-40, now past 700 since 2020, and cornea donation details for ages 2-89 posthumously, with no blood-type matching needed and near-100% vision recovery success. Nurse Víctor García clarified it does not delay funerals. Regular donor Daniela, whose partner received corneas two decades ago, registered for both blood and marrow while donating.

Incentives featured double tickets to MoraBanc Andorra's next game against Baskonia. The following campaign is scheduled for June 1-3 at Sant Ermengol school in La Llacuna.