WCBS is appealing to all eligible donors to donate blood as O blood stocks are critically low.
The Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) is appealing to all eligible donors to donate blood as O blood stocks are critically low. The WCBS says they only have a 2-day blood supply in O+ and a 3-day supply in O- blood group.
“We are also facing a national O blood stock crisis due to
the continuing impacts of the floods in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN)”, says Marike
Gevers, Public Relations Manager at WCBS.
Gevers says the floods in KZN have significantly impacted
the availability of blood in the KZN Province, due to infrastructure damage of
blood donation venues, opportunities to donate blood have been curtailed; Blood
Service Staff have been directly impacted; many have lost belongings, houses
and have great difficulty getting to work; and the usage of blood continues to
stretch resources, due to the ongoing trauma burden and other clinical
requirements for blood products.
‘’KZN is supplied by
the South African National Blood Service (SANBS), but in times of crisis, every
Blood Service, including WCBS, is committed to maintaining sufficient national
blood stocks and assisting areas where there are blood shortages,’’ said
Gevers.
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, you should
be able to donate.
To find your closest blood donation clinic in the Western
Cape, please download the WCBS app on Android and iOS, send us a WhatsApp on
060 549 7244 or visit wcbs.org.za for more information. For all other
Provinces, please visit sanbs.org.za or call 0800 119 031.
PICTURE: WCBSDone By: Mitchum George
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