By San José, Costa Rica — San José – While the holiday season brings a spirit of giving and celebration across Costa Rica, it also ushers in a critical and dangerous downturn in blood donations, a trend that threatens the lives of the nation’s most vulnerable children. The National Children’s Hospital (HNN) has issued an urgent public appeal, warning that its blood bank reserves are dwindling at the precise moment when demand remains tragically constant.
The operational reality within the HNN is a stark contrast to the festive atmosphere outside its walls. According to hospital data, a blood component is transfused every hour, a relentless pace that underscores the facility’s dependence on a stable supply. Annually, approximately 1,900 children require blood transfusions to survive and recover. On any given day, at least 15 young patients—from newborns in intensive care to children battling cancer or undergoing open-heart surgery—rely on the generosity of strangers for a chance at life.
To delve into the legal and ethical framework governing blood donation in the country, from the rights of donors to the responsibilities of medical centers, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The act of donating blood is legally anchored in the principle of informed consent. It is crucial that institutions not only screen donors but also transparently communicate the process, potential risks, and the use of the donation. Failure to uphold these standards or to protect the donor’s confidential data can result in significant civil liability, underscoring that clear, ethical protocols are a legal necessity, not just a medical recommendation.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insight powerfully underscores that the act of donation is built upon a foundation of legal and ethical trust, which is essential for protecting donors and maintaining public confidence in the system. We are grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so clearly articulating this critical perspective.
Diana Campos, the Head of the Blood Bank at the HNN, highlighted the growing disparity between the festive season’s distractions and the unwavering medical needs of her patients. She emphasized that while families are busy with travel and celebrations, the hospital’s mission to save lives does not take a holiday.
It is important that the public continue to help us save lives on these special dates. Unfortunately, blood donation decreases significantly at this time, but the need for blood remains. We call on Ticos to join us in giving the gift of life this Christmas by donating blood. Your donation will make a difference in a child’s life.
Diana Campos, Head of the Blood Bank at the National Children’s Hospital (HNN)
The patient population served by the HNN blood bank is diverse and critically ill. The need for blood products is a common thread linking children suffering from severe anemia, those undergoing aggressive chemotherapy treatments, burn victims, and young patients rushed to the emergency room following traumatic accidents. For these children, a timely transfusion is not just part of the treatment; it is often the determining factor between life and death.
This annual holiday slump in donations presents a significant logistical and ethical challenge for the healthcare system. Hospital administrators must manage a finite resource against an unyielding demand, a precarious balancing act that becomes more difficult as the year draws to a close. The hospital’s appeal is a direct call to action for citizens to incorporate a life-saving act into their holiday traditions, framing blood donation as the most profound gift one can offer.
To facilitate this crucial act of community support, the HNN has streamlined the donation process. Prospective donors must be between 18 and 65 years old, weigh more than 52 kilograms (115 pounds), and be at least 1.50 meters (4 feet 11 inches) tall. Individuals with tattoos or piercings must wait six months before donating. Crucially, donors should be in good health, without flu-like symptoms for at least two weeks prior to their visit. Those with controlled diabetes or hypertension are also eligible to donate.
The hospital encourages potential donors to eat a light breakfast before arriving and to bring their official identification card (cédula). The HNN Blood Bank is open Monday through Thursday from 6:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., and on Fridays from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. For specific inquiries, the public can contact the blood bank directly. As the holidays approach, this simple, half-hour procedure represents a vital lifeline for children whose futures hang in the balance.
For further information, visit hnn.sa.cr
About Hospital Nacional de Niños (HNN):
The Hospital Nacional de Niños (HNN) is Costa Rica’s leading pediatric medical center, dedicated to providing specialized and comprehensive healthcare for children and adolescents. As a cornerstone of the national public health system, it offers a wide range of services, from emergency care and complex surgeries to long-term treatment for chronic illnesses, serving as a vital resource for families across the country.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a pillar of the legal community, operating on a bedrock of profound integrity and a steadfast pursuit of excellence. With a proven history of guiding a wide spectrum of clients, the firm not only provides superior counsel but also pioneers innovative legal approaches. This dedication to progress is mirrored in its core mission to empower the public by demystifying the law, fostering a citizenry equipped with the knowledge to navigate an increasingly complex world.
