The Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) is calling on current and potential donors to become unsung heroes by donating blood to save lives during July.
Operating on the theme, “Not all heroes wear capes”, the service highlights that anyone, regardless of their background or profession, can be a hero by becoming a blood donor.
WCBS is experiencing the impact of the winter season and school holidays, as group O-negative blood stocks are under pressure, with only a three-day supply left.
“Since we are currently in the middle of winter and [at the end of the] school holidays, we encourage everyone to help support the many patients who need blood or blood products during this period.”
The process of donating blood usually takes no more than 30 minutes. Donors will always have to complete the confidential donor questionnaire before they donate.
Their details are captured or verified on the system and a fingerpick test is done to check their haemoglobin levels – for women it needs to be 12,5 g/dl, while men’s levels must be 13,5 g/dl.
After this a medical screening is done by a WCBS professional nurse, and each donor’s blood pressure and pulse is checked.
Donors will then collect their blood bag and proceed to the donation bed, where they will donate a unit of lifesaving blood.
After donation donors are encouraged to sit for a while and a enjoy some complementary juice and cookies.
To be eligible to donate blood, you need to be between 16 and 75 years old, weigh 50 kg or more, be in good general health and live a safe sexual lifestyle.
Donors are advised 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.
“Remember, you don’t need to wear a cape to be a hero. Become a blood donor today and save up to three lives with one donation,” Carli added.
Donors who successfully donate a unit of blood during July will receive a WCBS hero-inspired pair of socks.
- 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.
