There’s an urgent call for people to donate blood. The Western Cape Blood Service says currently, its O-negative blood stocks have dropped to just a 1-day supply. All healthy and eligible donors are asked to visit their nearest blood donation clinic as soon as possible.

An urgent call for you to donate blood

The Public Relations Manager for the WCBS, Marike Carli, says they urgently need blood donors, especially those with O-negative and O-positive blood groups. She says O-negative blood is particularly critical because it’s the universal blood type used in emergencies when there is no time to determine a patient’s blood group.

WCBS appeals for urgent blood donations

According to the WCBS, O-negative blood stocks have dropped to a critically low 1-day supply. At the same time, O-positive blood stocks are at only a 3-day supply. Carli says the WCBS aims to maintain a stable 5-day blood stock level. This will help to ensure that hospitals across the Province have sufficient blood available for emergencies, surgeries, cancer treatment, childbirth complications, and patients with chronic illnesses.

Requirements to donate blood

Carli says blood donation only takes 30 minutes. One donation can save up to three lives.

You should be able to donate blood if you are:

If you are between the ages of 16 and 75.
If you weigh 50kg or more.
If you are in good general health.
If you lead a safe sexual lifestyle.

MORE ABOUT: Your nearest clinic

Donate blood as blood stocks continue to decline across the province. There’s also a number you can message on WhatsApp. That number is 060 549 7244.