WCBS issues urgent plea for blood donations
As Easter approaches, the WCBS is facing critically low O-negative blood stocks. Here's how you can help make blood donations...
The Easter season is fast approaching. With it comes long-distance travel, which increases the likelihood of accidents. For this reason, the Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) needs the public’s assistance.
According to the WCBS, their blood stocks have taken a sharp dip. Specifically, type O-negative stocks are in low supply, hence the rallying cry to donors to contribute their lifeblood to save others.
BLOOD DONATIONS PLEA
There has been immense strain on the health organisation’s O-negative blood stocks over the last two weeks.
As such, explains Marike Carli, the public relations manager at WCBS, both existing and new donors are urged to come forward and help replenish their supplies.
Per Cape Town ETC:
O-negative blood is often used in life-threatening emergencies when there is no time to determine a patient’s blood type. We are calling on all blood donors to donate blood this week to help restore our blood stocks to a healthy level.
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO DONATE
One unit of blood (475 millilitres) is enough to save up to three lives. It’s remarkable and incredibly vital, especially considering the hazards that plague the roads of South Africa – especially over holiday periods such as Easter and Christmas.
All donations will go towards replenishing the WCBS’ blood stocks, benefitting countless patients across the Western Cape.
To become a blood donor, please take note of the following requirements:
- You must be between the ages of 16 and 75.
- You weigh 50 kilograms or more.
- You are medically healthy.
- You lead a safe lifestyle.
- Remember to eat a hearty meal approximately three or four hours before making your donation. This helps increase your fluid intake before and after the donation is completed.
For more information about how to donate blood or to find your nearest blood donation clinic, visit wcbs.org.za or send a WhatsApp message to 060 549 7244.
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