It’s Festive Season and many of us can’t wait to kick back, relax and take a well-deserved break! Although this is the time of year many people look forward to, the Blood Service in turn will be entering one of its most difficult periods.
Besides the roads being extremely busy, blood collections tend to decline as fewer people remember to donate blood before going on holiday. This added to the fact that many of our regular blood collection venues close their doors during the holidays, means that the Service has less access to its donors.
Therefore the Service is ensuring that it brings blood donation to the holiday goers! Please be on the lookout for blood donation clinics in residential areas, shopping malls and holiday destinations throughout the Western Cape. Remember to donate blood and help give this Season’s greatest gift to those patients in hospital.
Blood donation takes 30 minutes of your time every 56 days. It requires you to be between the ages of 16 and 65, weigh over 50kg, be in good general health and lead a safe sexual lifestyle. It does not cause you any bodily harm, since only 475ml of blood is taken, which is replaced within 24 hours.
While donors from all blood groups are important, there is a particular need for donors with blood types O and B to donate regularly as stocks of these are more vulnerable to shortfalls.
There is also a need for more black African people to become blood donors to reflect the ethnic diversity of patients.
For more information, SMS “Blood” to 33507 and WPBTS will call you back with information on where to donate. Donors can also call (021) 507 6300, e-mail info@wpbts.org.za or visit www.wpblood.org.za. Like us on Facebook (WP Blood) or follow us on Twitter (@WPBlood) for interesting facts and blood stock updates.
The Service wishes to thank all our blood donors for your support during 2016! Without your commitment to our cause, we won’t be able to ensure a safe and sustainable blood supply to the patients of the Western Cape.
We are looking forward to welcoming you at our clinics up until 31 December and entering the New Year with you again on 2 January 2017!