The 2011 Census results indicated that there are over five million people staying within the Western Cape. However, less than 1.2% of the population in the Western Cape are blood donors.
This is a worrying statistic for the Western Province Blood Transfusion Service (WPBTS). “As the population in the Western Cape is ever increasing and access to medical care is becoming easier, we need more blood donors to fulfill in the demand for safe blood and blood products”, says Marlize van der Merwe, WPBTS Corporate Public Relations Officer and Spokesperson.
The Service needs the help of its regular blood donors to recruit new blood donors. Therefore the “Bring-A-Buddy” Campaign has been launched. This campaign will take place from 31 August to 13 September throughout the Western Cape blood donation clinics. Regular blood donors is encouraged to bring a friend, family member or colleague to donate blood with them.
Blood donation takes about 20 to 30 minutes of your time every 56 days. It requires you to be between the age of 16 and 65, weigh over 50kgs, be in good general health and lead a safe sexual lifestyle. It does not cause you any bodily harm, since only 475ml’s of blood is taken, which is replaced within 24 hours.
For more information, SMS “Blood” to 33507 and WPBTS will call you back with information on where to donate. Donors can also call (021) 507 6300, e-mail info@wpbts.org.za or visit www.wpblood.org.za. Like us on Facebook (WP Blood) or follow us on Twitter (@WPBlood) for interesting facts and blood stock updates.