Cape Town winter is in full swing which means people are staying indoors, sadly, it also means that the available blood stock has dropped; WCBS is asking for a helping hand in getting the levels back to normal.
Cape Town, South Africa (20 June 2023) – The Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) is appealing to all donors to donate blood as blood stocks are critically low. Cape Town winter storms are keeping people indoors but the need for sufficient blood stock is critical. Donors are encouraged to visit their local donor centres to help make a difference.
“The winter is having a severe effect on our bloodstocks and we are amidst a severe blood stock shortage”, says Marike Carli, Public Relations Manager at WCBS.
There is a critical shortage in the O and B blood groups, with only a 2-day supply left. The A-positive blood stocks are also under severe pressure as only a 3-day supply is left. WCBS always aim to have a blood stock level of 5 days. The winter weather is not conducive to going out, and with the continuing storms in Cape Town, they are seeing the effects on their blood stocks. Blood donors suffer from colds and flu during this time and can subsequently not donate blood – up until the resolution of their symptoms.
During June, WCBS celebrates National Blood Donor Month, as they aim to raise awareness about the importance of voluntary blood donation and the critical importance of a safe, sustainable blood supply.
Thousands of patients require a life-saving blood transfusion daily in South Africa. Aside from accident and other trauma-related transfusions, patients also need transfusions to correct a low platelet count, patients suffering from immunodeficiency disorders, undergoing chemotherapy or awaiting a bone marrow transplant, during childbirth and even those undergoing heart surgeries. Blood is needed every day for patients in need.
To further raise awareness, WCBS will join myrun on Sunday, 25 June 2023, at their various events across the Western Cape. You can read more about that fun event here.
“We are encouraging everyone to join as we celebrate the remarkable act of saving lives through blood donation,” says Carli.
WCBS encourages everyone to dress in red or any hero attire to fit the theme – be a local hero and donate blood. On the day, capes will be distributed to all participants to symbolise that all blood donors are heroes.
For more information or to find your closest blood donation clinic, please visit www.wcbs.org.za, or download the WCBS app.
Be a local hero, do something remarkable, and donate blood.
Sources: WCBS – Supplied
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Storms and storms.
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