The public is encouraged to donate blood during the course of this week and today, due to The Western Cape Blood Transfusion Services blood bank being critically low with only enough blood to support the demand in the province for a single day.
Western Cape Blood Transfusion spokesperson, Michelle Vermeulen explained that in order to keep up with the demand for blood, a suitable bank of blood must be maintained.
“We try to maintain a blood stock of five days in order to meet the criteria and means that there is literally only blood for one day” she said.
There is a critical shortage of O blood group supply, both positive and negative along with a very low amount of B positive and A positive blood supply which is slowly decreasing.
All members of the public, regardless of blood type are urged to donate blood at their nearest blood donation clinics along Cape Town.
In order to maintain their stock, the Western Cape blood services must receive 700 donations of blood a day.
We need to collect 700 units of blood every day in the #WesternCape to keep saving lives. Do something remarkable. Become a #blooddonor: https://t.co/XpSCw1jnO1 pic.twitter.com/Swo5TtSFLA
— WP Blood Service (@WPBlood) August 20, 2018
“We are appealing to the public to donate blood in order for us to have a stable amount of five days worth of blood,” Vermeulen explains.
Where to donate
Here are list of places that currently available for blood donation across Cape Town.
–University of Cape Town, Sports Centre
The donation point is offering Kit-Kat chocolates along with a Coke for those who donate blood – a small push motivation to save a life.
Address: Rondebosch, Cape Town
Date: 21 August 2018
Time: 9.30am – 3.15pm
-Cape Town CBD, Long Street
The blood donation branch is located in the heart of the CBD and is central to those working in the area.
Address: 22 Long St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town
Date: Monday – Friday
Time: 8.30am – 4.15pm
– Milnerton
There is a bus that will be located along the main roads and function as a bus clinic for donation services.
Date: 21 August 2018
Time: 9.30am-11:45am
– Tokai, Blue Route Mall
This is a permanent location spot for donations and is open seven days a week including most public holidays.
Address: 16 Tokai Rd, Tokai, Cape Town,
Date: Monday – Saturday
Time: Week days, 10am -5.45pm, Saturdays 9am – 2.45pm and Sundays 9am – 12.45.
– Kraafontein, Library Hall
Located in the Northern Suburbs, the pop up clinic service is open for those who are unable to donate during the day.
Address: Brighton Rd, Windsor Park, Cape Town
Date: 21 August 2018
Time: 3pm – 6.15pm
Picture: Pexels