The Western Cape Blood Service has sounded an urgent appeal for blood donations to counter dwindling stocks.
The blood stocks in the Western Cape remain under severe pressure as the province heads into winter and the Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) is appealing to all eligible and potential donors to donate blood urgently.
“The Western Cape blood stocks remain at a one-day supply and patients’ lives are at risk as we are trying to avoid day zero. Over the past few weeks, we have struggled to maintain the required blood stock levels as blood collections continue to be challenging, while blood usage has increased markedly in recent months. Currently, there is a critical shortage in numerous blood groups; we have a one-day supply left for O blood groups and a two-day for B and A blood groups,” says WCBS spokeswoman Marike Gever.
You should be eligible to donate blood if you are between the ages of 16 and 75, weigh 50kg or more, are in good general health, and lead a safe sexual lifestyle. Blood donation takes 30 minutes of your time, and you can donate every 56 days.
“We need to collect 700 units of blood every day to ensure a sufficient blood supply. To find your closest blood donation clinic, please download the WCBS app on Android and iOS, send us a WhatsApp on 060 549 7244 or visit www.wcbs.org.za for more information,” Ms Gevers added.