It is a daily battle searching for blood for critical patients in all of our local hospitals.

Please consider donating the Gift of Life, keeping in mind that donation requirements in Mexico are different than in the United States and Canada.

Did you know that in Mexico, less than 20% of the population donates blood voluntarily? And nearly every FOUR SECONDS someone needs blood? Did you know that if you donate blood, you are banking blood for yourself? This affects everyone - especially people with rare blood types.

Blood Donation requirements in Mexico are different than in the United States and Canada, but the rules have been relaxed for healthy people who want to donate.

Here is How You Can Qualify:

Tattoos: Ok if it has been over one year and there was no adverse reaction when you received it.

Piercings: Ok if it has been over one year and no reaction at the time of the piercing.

Vaccinations, Antibiotics and certain Medications: OK if it is after one month of receiving.

Surgery: Ok if it has been over six months ago.

Recent Illness: OK if it is not current and has been cured (flu, cold)

Sexual Contact: Ok if you have not been with more than five people in five years and OK if you have a same sex partner.

Maximum Age: Limit is relaxed if you are good health.

Menstruating Women: Ok if you are in good health.

NOTE: If you are taking oral anti-coagulants such as aspirin, Coumadin, Clopidogrel, Meloxicam, Diclofenac, Ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory medication, it should be discontinued for two days prior to donating.

To Donate You Must:

• Be over 18 years of age and have a minimum weight of 50 kilos (110 Lbs)
• Fast for a minimum of 4 hours and no more than 8 hours
• Consume no more than 2 alcohol beverages for 48 hours prior to donation
• Be in general good health

Once you have donated blood, the following exams are performed: HIV, Hepatitis C, Brucella, Syphilis, VDRL, Chagas Disease, Hematocrit, Rh Factor, Blood Type, Cross Match Compatibility among others. A Donor Card will be issued to you as proof and validity in case you need blood for yourself or a family member.

If you are an altruistic donor and you need a transfusion, you will receive one unit of blood for each unit that you donate. It is very important that if you are donating for a specific person you be sure and give the blood bank that person's name and then let me know that the donation has been made.

Please consider donating the Gift of Life, just as soon as you can! It's a daily battle searching for blood for critical patients in all of our local hospitals.

To donate please go to the Puerto Vallarta Blood Bank, located on the 2nd floor at Hospital San Javier, across from where the cruise ships dock. The Blood Bank is open from 8 am to 3 pm Monday through Saturday. For further information, please feel free to contact the Blood Bank (322) 226-1010 or email Pamela Thompson at Pamela@healthcareresourcespv.com.

Disclaimer: This information is not meant as legal advice. It is for educational and informational purposes only. Government policies vary between States and offices, and Mexican Government officials have broad discretion in how they individually enforce policies, so, your personal experiences may vary. See a professional for advice on important issues.