The Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) has issued a plea to all eligible donors to donate blood as O-blood stocks are critically low.
Marike Gevers, WCBS public relations manager, says the service currently has only a two-day blood supply in the O+ blood group and three-day supply in O-. “We also face a national O blood-stock crisis due to the continuing impact of the floods in KwaZulu-Natal,” she said, also mentioning infrastructure damage of blood-donation venues, while some staff are also directly affected by the floods.
KZN is supplied by the South African National Blood Service (SANBS), but in times of crisis every blood service is committed to maintaining sufficient national blood stocks and assisting areas where there are blood shortages.
If you are between 16 and 75, weigh 50 kg or more, are in good general health and lead a safe sex life, you can donate blood. To find your closest blood-donation clinic in the Western Cape, download the WCBS app on Android and iOS, send a WhatsApp message to 060 549 7244 or visit wcbs.org.za for more information.
