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Press Release14 February 2008Volunteers can help save lives this Easter by donating blood The Western Province Blood Transfusion Service (WPBTS) will host its Easter weekend Blood Donation Drive at the Tyger Valley Shopping Centre on Saturday, 22 March 2008. The Western Cape's hospitals and clinics require approximately 600-700 units of blood each day. During holiday times such as Easter the demand for blood and related products increase because many regular donors are away on holiday. According to Mr Graham Thurtell, spokesperson for the WPBTS, the Easter Donation Drive is important because the blood is specifically required for the production of blood platelets, used in the treatment of leukaemia. "Platelets are the sticky cells that help blood to clot. Platelet concentrates are prepared from whole blood within hours of collection and can only be stored for five days before it expires. If we take into account the number of public holidays over the Easter period, it requires careful planning to ensure that the WPBTS sustains its supplies," said Thurtell. Any person older than 17 years, weighing more than 50kg and who leads healthy, safe lifestyle can donate blood. Donors must remember to eat before donating blood. The clinic will take place between 10:00am and 15.15pm on Saturday, 22 March 2008 at the Shop 126, entrance no 6 (on the ground floor, next to Game), at the Tyger Valley shopping centre. For more information, contact the Western Province Blood Transfusion Services on tel (021) 507 6300, e-mail info@wpbts.org.za or visit www.wpblood.org.za | |||
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