The month of July calls on all of us to take action and transform the world, as each of us has the ability to do so. The Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) celebrated World Blood Donor Day on 14 June with the slogan: “Give blood and make the world a healthier place”. In light of Mandela Day on 18 July we would like to continue in this spirit and appeal to each and every eligible donor to take 30 of their 67 minutes to save 3 lives. After your first donation you will be able to donate blood again in 56 days. Donating blood may only take 30 minutes of your time, but can make a life-changing difference in someone else’s life.
“Traditionally, the winter months are a difficult blood collection period due to the fact that many regular donors suffer from colds and flu and consequently are unable to donate, the COVID-19 pandemic has also added to this pressure. We are currently experiencing a decline in our blood stock level with a critical shortage in our O- and B+ blood groups. We need everyone who fulfils the basic donor criteria to donate blood and be the difference in someone’s life. Let’s build healthier communities, spend 30 of your 67 minutes donating blood and saving 3 lives”, says Marike Gevers, Corporate Public Relations Officer at WCBS. 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 blood.
WCBS would also like to reassure donors that it remains safe to donate blood and that the safety of our staff and blood donors remain our top priorities. We have implemented additional precautionary measures since the outbreak of COVID-19 and we remain vigilant to ensure ongoing safety at each of our blood donation clinics and at our offices.
To find out where you can donate please visit www.wcbs.org.za, call 021 507 6300 or send us a WhatsApp on 060 549 7244.
