The WP Blood Transfusion Service wishes to thank its blood donors for the support received during the Festive Season.
“We received remarkable support from the Western Cape, permanent residents and visitors alike,” says Marlize van der Merwe, WPBTS Spokesperson.
The Service collected 10 450 units of blood, which were used to produce approximately 30 000 blood component products, and potentially impact the lives of up to 30 000 people. Although there were shortages of the O-blood group and the B-blood group, donors reacted to the appeal for their donations and carried the Service through one of the toughest times of the year.
“Thank you to all the various venues which assisted us by hosting blood drives during the Festive Season. Without your help, we wouldn’t have had as easy access to our blood donors. We appreciate your commitment to our cause,” says Van der Merwe.
As blood cannot be artificially manufactured, the collection thereof is a continuous process. Blood has a “shelf life”, meaning that it can only be stored for a specific number of days. Red cell components can be stored for up to 42 days, while platelets can only be stored for five days and plasma can be stored for one to two years in frozen form.
WPBTS encourages the public to commit to regular blood donation during 2016. The basic donor requirements are that donors must be at least 16 years of age, weigh more than 50 kgs, be in good general health and live a safe lifestyle. It is also important that a donor has eaten within three to four hours before donating blood and increases their fluid intake on the day of donation.
For more information on where to donate blood, visit the WPBTS website at www.wpblood.org.za or contact the Service at 021 507 6300. Alternatively SMS “Blood” to 33507 and WPBTS will contact you (R1.50 per SMS). “Like” the Facebook page (WP Blood) and follow the Service on Twitter (@WPBlood).
We know you have a heart. Donate blood.