New donation center opens in Labège

A new blood and plasma donation center will open on Monday, November 2, in Labège, at 185 rue Galilée, near Toulouse. This facility will be the 14th donation center in the Occitanie region of France.

Facility aims to expand donor access

According to the French Blood Establishment (EFS), the center will allow "new potential donors, previously excluded, to come donate their plasma, as this type of donation can only be performed in a Donation Center." The EFS stated in a press release that it is opening new donation centers across France to address growing challenges in plasma collection and to improve public access to blood and plasma donations.

Hours and donation slots

The new center will offer 40 appointment slots for plasma donations and 20 for blood donations each day. Donors can visit from Monday to Friday, from 12 p.m. to 6:45 p.m., and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

EFS targets increased donations

The EFS Occitanie aims to achieve 18,000 plasma donations and 10,000 blood donations annually at the Labège center by 2032. This goal aligns with the EFS's broader strategy to increase donation capacity across the region.

Rising demand for plasma

The opening comes amid increasing demand for plasma in Occitanie, where 55,000 donations are still needed by the end of the year. The target for 2027 is set at 77,200 plasma donations, an increase of 28% compared to current levels.

Reasons for higher demand

This rise in demand is partly attributed to the aging population, the increase in chronic diseases, the evolution of medical practices, and better detection of certain autoimmune diseases. These factors have increased the need for plasma and blood donations to support patient care and treatment.