Officials at the National Blood Bank of the Calderon Guardia Hospital in Costa Rica woke up last week to an alarming sight: Reserves were near zero. An urgent call for type O Positive blood donations was issued across the Central Valley, and technicians plan to work through most of the holidays to conduct blood collection drives.

Blood bank officials were able to ameliorate the situation over the weekend with donations collected in the communities of Tres Rios and Puriscal. The blood collected is not for the exclusive use of emergency transfusions; plasma byproducts are also used for the treatment of anemia, leukemia, hemophilia, and certain liver conditions. In Costa Rica, a single pint of blood can help improve the health of up to four patients who truly need it.

Volunteer donors are welcome at the main collection point, which is conveniently located in Zapote, next to the main Catholic church and just a couple of blocks away from the fairgrounds where all the holiday fun in Costa Rica can be experienced (although donors should wait a couple of hours after donation before drinking a frosty Imperial or other alcoholic beverages). This facility will open everyday from December 26^th to December 30^th. Donors must be between the ages of 18 and 65 and in good health. Other things to keep in mind:

1. Those who have been afflicted with the flu or dengue must wait two weeks after convalescing before donating.
2. Diabetics who must control their glucose levels via injection cannot donate.
3. Metmorfin patients must submit to an interview.
4. High blood pressure patients are welcome as long as their readings are normal and conducive to a donation.
5. Those with piercings and tattoos must wait 12 months after the latest application.

On January 2^nd and 3^rd, the main offices of La Caja in loveable downtown San Jose will open for donations. Unlike other countries, the public health system in Costa Rica does not purchase blood products from brokers.

Source: CRHoy.com