The Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) continues to call on the public, especially youths, to donate blood to save lives.
The service aims to collect 700 units of blood every day to supply the province with a safe, sufficient blood supply. Ideally, 1 to 2% of the population should donate blood. The Western Cape population grew to 7,6 million over the past year.
To keep up with the demand for blood and the ever-growing population, WCBS aims to increase its active donor base with 4 000 new blood donors in 2024. Currently it has 72 200 active blood donors.
An active blood donor is someone who donates at least one unit of blood – whether it is plasma, platelets or whole blood – in a year. WCBS also aims to collect 163 000 units of blood throughout the year to meet the needs of patients.
Youth play a pivotal role in the sustainability of the donor base,” explained Marike Carli, WCBS public relations manager. “Empowering the youth to donate blood isn’t just about meeting immediate needs; it’s an investment in the future sustainability of our blood supply.”
- 16 to 18 years – 8%
- 19 to 25 years – 14%
- 26 to 29 years – 7%
- 30 to 39 years – 18%
- 40 to 49 years – 20%
- 50 to 59 years – 18%
- 60-plus years – 15%
The service hopes to actively increase the youth portion of the donor base so that 10% of the total active donor base are represented by 16- to 18-year-old donors and that it remains at 14% of the total active donor for 19- to 25-year-old donors.
“We encourage all blood donors to be someone’s type this year by committing to donating blood at least four times in 2024,” Carli added.
Each donor who achieves this milestone will receive an extra token of appreciation. They can choose a neoprene laptop bag, weekender bag or a backpack on their fourth donation. Donors older than 65 will receive it on their third donation.
High-school learners can start donating blood at 16 years old. No parental consent is needed. Learners should, however, complete the Popia form, and parents should sign this legal consent document for processing of information.
With ongoing education efforts and campaigns WCBS would like to educate the youth about the importance of blood donation and their essential role in saving lives. “In 2023 we launched our Super 9 Club,” Carli said. “This campaign encourages youth donors to make nine donations before their 19th birthday, and by doing so we are trying to cultivate a culture of life-long life-savers.”
Blood donation only takes 30 minutes and you can donate every 56 days. If you are between 16 and 75, weigh 50 kg or more, are in good general health, and lead a safe sexual lifestyle, you should be able to donate. Blood donation does not cause you any bodily harm as only 475 ml of blood is taken; this is replaced within 24 hours.
Carli advised donors to eat a substantial meal within three to four hours before visiting a clinic and to increase their fluid intake before, during and after donation.
Blood is transfused in hospitals to patients in need daily. It’s not only used for trauma, but also scheduled operations, during childbirth and for patients suffering from a variety of illnesses, including blood disorders like haemophilia and sickle cell anaemia, cancer and auto-immune disorders.
For more information or to find your closest blood donation clinic, visit www.wcbs.org.za, download the WCBS app, or send a WhatsApp message to 060 549 7244.
