The Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) only has enough blood for two days; they are calling on regular and new donors to help them out.
Cape Town, South Africa – The Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) only has enough blood for two days and is appealing to new and regular donors to donate, to bring the level back to five days.
“The contributing factors to the blood shortage are that regular donors suffers from colds and flu and therefore can’t donate blood, as well as the current winter chill that we have experienced, deterring some donors from donating. WCBS aims to maintain a blood stock level of five days at all times to ensure we meet the demands of the Western Cape,” says Michelle Vermeulen, Corporate Public Relations Officer at WCBS.
Group O stocks are critically low, and we are therefore appealing to everyone in the Western Cape with the group O type to come and donate at a blood donation clinic near you. To find out where you can donate visit www.wcbs.org.za, call 021 507 6300 or SMS ‘Blood’ to 33507.
Types O- and O+ are universal blood groups, meaning that it can be transfused to all other blood groups.
If you are older than 16 and younger than 75, weigh more than 50kg, you are healthy on the day of donation and lead a safe sexual lifestyle, you should be able to donate.
Your one donation can save up to three people’s lives. Plus, they are still giving away socks to everyone who donates blood.