With winter officially coming to an end this month the Western Cape Blood Service has renewed its call for current and potential blood donors to “be a mighty hero” and donate blood.
The service will conclude its winter campaign this month, celebrating the remarkable commitment of blood donors who have played a crucial role in saving lives throughout the colder months. It will emphasise that each individual, regardless of their donation milestone, is a mighty hero, helping to sustain the province’s blood supply all year round.
The theme for August is “Be a mighty hero. Donate Blood”, which calls on all individuals to take up the challenge of potentially saving three lives through one blood donation. This will also be the last chance for donors to get their hands on a pair of exclusive hero socks as a token of appreciation.
Said Marike Carli, public relations manager at the Western Cape Blood Service: “Without the support of our donors, saving lives would not be possible. We are deeply thankful to each donor who braved the winter cold to donate blood; they are the true heroes of the Western Cape.”
When donating, donors begin with a confidential questionnaire and verify their details. A fingerprick test checks your haemoglobin level, ensuring it meets the required 12,5 g/dl for women and 13,5 g/dl for men.
A professional nurse then conducts a medical screening, checking donors’ blood pressure and pulse. Once given the green light, donors will proceed to donate a unit of blood, followed with delicious juice and biscuits to refuel lost fluids.
Donors must be aged 16 to 75 years, weigh at least 50 kg or more, be in good general health and live a safe sexual lifestyle.
On the day of donation donors are advised to eat a meal three or four hours before donating and to stay well-hydrated before, during and after donation.
“We encourage the public to be mighty heroes and donate blood this winter,” Carli added. “It takes only 30 minutes of your time and you get to help patients in need.”
- For further details or to find your closest donation clinic, visit www.wcbs.org.za, download the blood service’s app, or send a WhatsApp message on 060 549 7244.
