WESTERN CAPE NEWS - During June, the Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) is celebrating National Blood Donor Month, with World Blood Donor Day on 14 June.
This year’s theme, ‘Be Remarkable’, highlights the impact of ordinary people who perform extraordinary acts through blood donation and serves as a tribute to donors who save lives every day.
To mark the occasion, WCBS will host multiple blood donation clinics across the province on Saturday 13 June with the aim of collecting 1 000 units of blood. The initiative also seeks to encourage new donors to step forward, particularly as winter traditionally places a strain on blood supplies.
According to WCBS, building a larger and more sustainable donor base is essential to maintaining a stable blood supply for patients in need throughout the year.
The urgency of donations is underscored by current stock levels, with O Negative blood supplies standing at only a two-day reserve. O Negative is considered a universal blood type and is critical in emergency situations where there is no time to determine a patient’s blood group.
“Each donation represents kindness, courage and community spirit,” said Marike Carli, public relations manager at WCBS. “National Blood Donor Month is the perfect time to celebrate our blood donors, who show us that we can all be remarkable.”
In addition to the awareness campaign, WCBS will launch its WhatsApp channel on 1 June. The new platform will provide direct communication with donors, sharing updates, donor stories, blood stock levels, urgent alerts, and information about upcoming clinics.
“This channel is for everyone who wants to make a difference,” said Carli. “We are excited to share inspirational posts and keep donors informed and engaged.”
WCBS is encouraging both regular and first-time donors to take part in National Blood Donor Month. Eligible donors are between the ages of 16 and 75, weigh 50 kg or more, are in good general health, and follow a safe sexual lifestyle.
Donors are advised to eat before donating and to increase fluid intake before, during, and after the process. A single blood donation takes approximately 30 minutes, and individuals may donate every 56 days.
For more information or to find the nearest donation clinic, visit www.wcbs.org.za or send a WhatsApp to 060 549 7244.
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