The Western Cape Blood Services give thanks to those that donated throughout the year and encourage others to wrap up the year with one more donation.
Cape Town, South Africa (02 December 2020) – The Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) saw a massive drop in donations during the year, this was due to the pandemic but thankfully regular donors worked hard to keep the supply somewhat stable.
WCBS is challenging the general public to wrap up 2020 by making a donation that will save three lives. They are currently running low on stock and any help will save several lives.
“As we are entering the Festive Season, the demand for blood increases and COVID-19 still adds additional pressure.
Currently, we are experiencing a critical shortage in O- as we only have a 2-day supply; and we also experiencing a shortage in O+, A+ and B+ as we only have a 3-day supply. We would like to encourage all eligible donors to wrap up 2020 by donating blood and saving up to three lives.”
Aside from the final ask of 2020, the WCBS wishes to thank every person that donated throughout the year.
“The Western Cape Blood Service would like to start by thanking you for supporting us through a very challenging and trying year for all of us. Without your continued support, we would not have been able to do what we do best – save lives.”
Blood stock levels in the Western Cape tend to decline during the festive season due to regular blood donors going on holiday and perhaps not attending the blood donation clinic they would normally do. COVID-19 still adds additional pressure as regular blood donation clinics such as businesses, schools and universities remain closed.
“We would like to appeal to all eligible blood donors to wrap up 2020 by donating blood and saving up to 3 lives”, says Marike Gevers, Public Relations Manager at WCBS.
WCBS need to maintain a 5-day bloodstock level in order to supply the Western Cape with a sufficient blood supply. Blood donation takes 30 minutes of your time and you can donate every 56 days. If you are between the ages of 16 and 75, weigh 50kg or more, are healthy on the day of donation and lead a safe sexual lifestyle, you should be able to donate.
If your business, school or tertiary institution is able to host a blood donation clinic in the near future WCBS would also like to hear from you. Donors can rest assured that it is safe to donate blood and that all COVID-19 safety protocols are in place.
“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 our website on www.wcbs.org.za for more information.
The Service wishes to thank all our blood donors for your support during 2020. We hope that you enjoy the festive season and continue to do something remarkable by donating blood.”
by 