NATIONAL NEWS - The Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) urgently appeals to all eligible blood donors to donate blood as blood stocks continue to decline across the province.
O-negative blood stocks have dropped to a critically low 1-day supply, while O-positive blood stocks are at only a 3-day supply.
WCBS aims to maintain a stable 5-day blood stock level to ensure that hospitals across the Western Cape have sufficient blood available for emergencies, surgeries, cancer treatment, childbirth complications, and patients with chronic illnesses.
“We urgently need blood donors, especially those with O-negative and O-positive blood groups. O-negative blood is particularly critical because it is the universal blood type used in emergency situations when there is no time to determine a patient’s blood group,” says Marike Carli, Public Relations Manager at WCBS.
Blood donation only takes 30 minutes and one donation can save up to three lives.
WCBS encourages all healthy and eligible donors to visit their nearest blood donation clinic as soon as possible.
You should be able to donate blood if you are:
- Between the ages of 16 and 75
- Weigh 50kg or more
- Are in good general health
- Lead a safe sexual lifestyle
For more information or to find your closest blood donation clinic, visit here, or send a WhatsApp to 060 549 7244 or scan the QR to start the conversation.
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