GARDEN ROUTE | KAROO NEWS - The Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) is urgently appealing to eligible blood donors to donate as blood stocks across the province reach critically low levels.
WCBS aims to maintain a five-day blood supply to ensure sufficient blood is available for patients who need transfusions.
Currently, seven of the eight blood groups are below this target, with O positive and O negative at only a two-day supply.
A positive, B negative and AB negative are currently at a three-day supply, while B positive and AB positive are at a four-day supply.
Blood is needed every day
“Blood is needed every day and cannot be manufactured, which means we rely entirely on voluntary blood donors to ensure that blood is available when patients need it,” says Marike Carli, Public Relations Manager at WCBS.
“We are asking all eligible donors, regardless of their blood group, to please make the time to donate blood.”
Hospitals transfuse blood every day to patients in need. Blood is used not only in emergencies and trauma cases, but also during childbirth, scheduled operations and the treatment of patients with various illnesses.
One donation can save up to three lives
People between 16 and 75 years old who weigh 50kg or more, are in good general health and lead a safe sexual lifestyle should be able to donate blood.
A blood donation takes approximately 30 minutes, and one donation can help save up to three lives.
“We need the support of our donors now to help restore blood stocks to a healthy five-day supply,” says Carli.
“If you are due to donate, or have been thinking about becoming a blood donor, now is the time to come forward.”
Where to donate blood in the Western Cape
Donors can find their closest blood donation clinic or obtain more information through the Western Cape Blood Service.
Visit the WCBS blood donation page
For blood donation enquiries, the public can also send a WhatsApp message to 060 549 7244.
The WCBS is also encouraging members of the public to follow its WhatsApp Channel for updates and information about blood donation.
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
