WESTERN CAPE NEWS - The Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) is facing critically low blood stocks, particularly in O-negative, O-positive and B-positive groups, and they are calling on the public to donate immediately so that they can continue providing patients with the care they need.
This shortage comes at a challenging time of year, and WCBS is launching a focused appeal to ensure hospitals can continue treating patients safely.
WCBS is also running a “Bring-a-Buddy” summer initiative this week to encourage new donors to join.
Urgent appeal
"We are appealing to all O-negative, O-positive and B-positive blood donors to donate as soon as possible, as blood stocks have reached critical levels. The Service aims to maintain a five-day supply of all blood groups and currently only has a two-day supply in these groups.
“We rely on the generosity of all our donors to keep blood stocks at healthy levels,” says Marike Carli, Public Relations Manager at WCBS.
“While O-negative, O-positive and B-positive blood is needed most urgently right now, every donation from every blood group helps ensure that we can continue providing patients with the care they need.”
WCBS is urging existing donors with the mentioned blood types to donate immediately. If you are a new donor, now is the time to start your donation journey.
This week, donors can also take part in the “Bring-a-Buddy” campaign, which runs until Saturday, 13 December.
Any existing blood donor who brings a new donor to donate blood will receive a beach bat set — one for themselves and one for their new blood donor buddy.
T&Cs: Valid for all blood donation clinics from 8 December to 13 December. An existing blood donor must bring the new donor. The existing blood donor does not have to donate blood on that day. The new donor must successfully donate blood. One gift per person. While stocks last.
“We know the Western Cape community always steps up when it’s needed most,” adds Carli. “Now is that time. Please make donating blood your priority this week and Bring-a-Buddy and make double the difference.”
Becoming a blood donor
If you are between 16 and 75, weigh 50kg or more, are in good general health, and lead a safe sexual lifestyle, you should be able to donate.
A blood donation takes only 30 minutes, and every unit collected helps maintain the province’s essential blood supply.
To find your closest blood donation clinic, visit www.wcbs.org.za or contact WCBS via WhatsApp at 060 549 7244.
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