CAPE TOWN — The Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) has issued an urgent appeal for blood donors as stocks of critical blood types have plummeted to just a two-day supply, well below the recommended five-day minimum.
The service is specifically calling for O-negative, O-positive and B-positive donors to come forward immediately as these blood groups have reached critically low levels across the province.
“We rely on the generosity of all our donors to keep blood stocks at healthy levels,” said Marike Carli, Public Relations Manager at WCBS. “While O-negative, O-positive and B-positive blood is needed most urgently right now, every donation from every blood group helps ensure that we can continue providing patients with the care they need.”
The shortage comes at a time when hospitals across the Western Cape depend on steady blood supplies for emergency surgeries, trauma cases, and patients undergoing treatment for serious medical conditions. O-negative blood is particularly crucial as it can be given to patients of any blood type in emergency situations.
To encourage new donors, WCBS is running a special “Bring-a-Buddy” campaign until Saturday, 13 December. Existing blood donors who bring a new donor to any clinic will receive a beach bat set for both themselves and their buddy.
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The campaign runs at all blood donation clinics from 8 December to 13 December, with the existing donor not required to donate on the same day, though the new donor must successfully complete their donation. Gifts are limited to one per person while stocks last.
Anyone between the ages of 16 and 75 who weighs 50kg or more, is in good general health, and leads a safe sexual lifestyle should be eligible to donate. The donation process takes just 30 minutes and every unit collected helps maintain the province’s essential blood supply.
“We know the Western Cape community always steps up when it’s needed most,” Carli added. “Now is that time. Please make donating blood your priority this week and Bring-a-Buddy and make double the difference.”
Those interested in donating can find their closest blood donation clinic by visiting www.wcbs.org.za or contacting WCBS via WhatsApp at 060 549 7244.
- The Western Cape Blood Service is a non-profit regional health organisation dedicated to collecting blood from voluntary donors and providing safe blood products to the community while maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards.
