LIFESTYLE NEWS - The Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) urges the public to take a bold step this winter by donating blood due to reduced collection during winter place increased pressure on blood stocks across the province. 

Since the start of winter, O positive and O negative blood stocks have consistently remained below the Service's target of a five-day supply, highlighting the urgent need for more blood donors.

This July, the WCBS is encouraging the public to embrace its winter campaign theme, "Be Bold. Donate Blood." 

The campaign challenges people to move beyond hesitation and take the first step toward becoming a blood donor. For many, donating blood can feel daunting. Some are nervous about needles, others are unsure about the donation process, and many simply keep putting it off for another day. 

The campaign aims to show that being bold does not mean being fearless. It means choosing to do something important despite your fears.

Winter is traditionally one of the most challenging periods for blood collection. Seasonal illnesses, inclement weather and lower donor attendance can all affect blood donations. At the same time, demand for blood remains constant, with hospitals relying on a stable blood supply to treat trauma patients, cancer patients, mothers experiencing childbirth complications, surgical patients and many others whose lives depend on blood transfusions.

The WCBS aims to maintain a minimum five-day blood stock level across all blood groups to ensure that hospitals throughout the Western Cape have the blood they need.

The challenge is compounded by the fact that only 0.95% of the Western Cape population are active blood donors. To maintain a sustainable blood supply, the WCBS aims to have between 1% and 1.2% of the population actively donating blood. While the Service continues to recruit new donors each year, growing the active donor base remains critical to ensuring blood is available for patients whenever it is needed.

The campaign places particular focus on younger adults and first-time donors, encouraging them to make their first donation and become part of a community of everyday heroes who help ensure blood is available whenever and wherever it is needed.

"Every blood donor remembers their first donation," says Marike Carli, Public Relations Manager at the Western Cape Blood Service. 

"Many people arrive nervous, but they leave knowing they have done something extraordinary for someone they will likely never meet. This winter, we encourage people to be bold, take that first step and discover just how easy it is to save a life."

Concerns about needles and uncertainty about the donation process are among the reasons many people do not donate blood. Through its winter campaign, the WCBS hopes to encourage more first-time donors to take the first step towards becoming regular blood donors.

For more information or to find your closest blood donation clinic, visit www.wcbs.org.za, or send a WhatsApp to 060 549 7244.

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