Andorran Red Cross Needs 512 More Blood Donations to Hit 1,500 Goal

The Andorran Red Cross is targeting up to 300 blood donations over its upcoming three-day drive at Lycée Comte de Foix in Andorra la Vella, aiming to help reach its annual goal of 1,500 by year-end.

The fourth campaign at the school, themed "La sang també escriu futurs" (Blood Also Writes Futures), will take place on October 13, 14 and 15 from 11am to 2pm and 4pm to 8pm daily. Organised with the lycée, SAAS health service and Grup CCA, it welcomes the school community and general public. Appointments can be made through the Blood and Tissue Bank website or a QR code, with walk-ins accepted. Already, 20 reservations are confirmed for October 13, 14 for the 14th and eight for the 15th. Officials expect 10-20% no-shows, from personal reasons or ineligibility on-site.

Lycée principal Olivier Salvan described the event's educational focus, with students managing communications, welcoming donors and handling post-donation catering. "This pedagogical dimension is essential," he said. "It allows students real public contact, collaboration with local partners and fosters solidarity, commitment and responsibility as future adults."

Red Cross secretary general Joan Saurí noted rising participation across prior drives at the school—starting at 275 donations, then 382, though last November's yielded 311 due to external factors. He expressed optimism about hitting 1,500 donations by December, ahead of further sessions including two days at the University of Andorra in Sant Julià de Lòria and another venue. Saurí stressed reserves at Catalonia's Blood and Tissue Bank, currently at about 6,200 bags. "It's not alarming, but there should be many more," he said. Donors should arrive well-fed and hydrated—no fasting—to avoid issues like low blood pressure, with each 30-minute donation able to save three lives.