Give one unit of blood and save three lives - WCBS

The Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) is calling on new and current blood donors to donate blood with their, "Give One, Save Three Lives campaign." With this initiative, WCBS aims to encourage individuals to donate blood and help save three lives with a single act of giving.

COURTESY: WCBS


Speaking on Bush Radio’s Sakhisizwe programme on Monday, Toni Erasmus, Public Relations Practitioner from the Western Cape Blood Service, explained the importance of blood donation and how it impacts the healthcare system in the Western Cape.

‘’Blood cannot be manufactured in a factory and it is used in a daily basis to save lives. It is used for patients who are critically ill, been in car accidents, experiencing trauma cases and long time illnesses like cancer, as well as burns.’’

Erasmus says donating blood is a quick and easy process.

‘’The entire process from entering to donating takes about 30 minutes. First time donors will get a confidential questionnaire to complete which we want our potential donors to complete honestly, as it can affect themselves and the recipient who receive the blood. After the questionnaire, you will get a finger prick where we will check your haemoglobin levels. After that, it is a medical screening whereby we check your blood pressure and pulse and you will also be interviewed by one of our assistants and then you will get a blood pack and then you will be able to donate a unit of blood. It is that simple and for your efforts, you get a treat at the end (biscuits/juice).

Erasmus says the WCBS thrive to maintain a five-day supply and welcomes all blood type. She says the O-negative is in need as it is the universal type.

Erasmus elaborated on the blood service latest campaign - Give One, Save Three Lives -, which emphasises the power of a single blood donation to save multiple lives.

‘’We always say that one blood donation can save three lives as this is because each unit of blood can be separated into three components: red blood cells, plasma, and platelets. These components are then used to treat a wide range of medical conditions, including trauma, cancer, and blood disorders. By donating just one unit of blood, individuals have the potential to positively impact the lives of three patients in need.

‘’It is so amazing that 30 minutes of your time is impacting three people that you do not know. You are giving someone back to their family and we ask the public to think about saving lives and doing this cause by giving one and save three lives,’’ added Public Relations Practitioner from the Western Cape Blood Service,

In order to donate blood:

·        You have to be older than 16 and younger than 75.

·        You have to weigh 50kg or more.

·        You need to be in good general health.

·        You have to live a safe sexual lifestyle.

Erasmus called on the youth to donate blood.

''We always strive the youth to come and donate and to bring a friend as well so we can continue the legacy of blood donors and inspire others to donate, as the youth are our future.


LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW:


 

Done By: Mitchum George

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