The Puerto Rico Medical Services Administration (ASEM) has issued an urgent call for blood donations to support a couple injured in a car accident in Manatí. Regino Colón Alsina, executive director of ASEM, announced a dedicated collection drive scheduled for Thursday, October 1, to assist the victims, who remain hospitalized following the weekend collision.
Emergency Blood Drive Details
The collection event will take place on Thursday, October 1, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The drive is hosted at the Asociación Puertorriqueña del Norte de los Adventistas del Séptimo Día, located at PR-670, kilometer 3.6, in the Cotto Norte neighborhood of Manatí. This effort is organized in partnership with the Puerto Rico Blood Bank at the Medical Center.
Incident Background and Medical Status
The victims, identified as Carlos Meléndez Guadalupe and Gendy Rivera Nevárez, were injured when their vehicle was struck at the intersection of PR-149 and PR-643. Rivera Nevárez, who was seven months pregnant at the time of the accident, underwent an emergency cesarean section. While the newborn has been reported in stable condition, both parents remain in delicate condition and require ongoing medical intervention.
Donor Requirements and Eligibility
To participate in the blood drive, potential donors must meet specific health and safety criteria established by the Blood Bank:
- Identification: A valid photo ID is required.
- Age: Donors must be at least 16 years old. Those aged 16 and 17 must provide authorization from a parent or legal guardian.
- Weight: Donors must weigh at least 110 pounds.
- Health: Individuals must be in good general health and are advised to eat a proper meal before donating.
Medical personnel on-site will evaluate each potential donor to confirm eligibility. Colón Alsina emphasized that blood reserves are vital for trauma cases, noting that a few minutes of a donor’s time can provide a critical chance for a patient’s recovery.
For additional information regarding the donation process, interested parties can contact the organizers at 787-777-3844 or 787-777-3535, extension 6550.
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