THE Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) is appealing to the people of West Limerick to support their upcoming blood donation clinics in Newcastle West.
IBTS is calling on all donors, particularly young people, to step up as part of its new ‘Every Drop Counts’ campaign, launched with the family of late Carlow hurler 21-year-old OisÃn Kelly, whose cancer treatment relied heavily on blood and platelet donations.
New and existing donors can attend the Longcourt Hotel in Newcastle West today and tomorrow (Tuesday December 9) from 4.50 pm to 8.10 pm, with former UK residents now eligible to donate.
Call 1800 222 111 to make an appointment.
Hospitals require over 3,000 blood donations every single day, but according to the IBTS stocks are under constant pressure.
Alex O’Connor, IBTS recruitment executive said: “More than 65 per cent of the blood collected in Limerick goes directly Irish cancer patients, highlighting the vital link between local donors and lifesaving treatment.”
“Demand from Irish hospitals has not slowed down. Your donation can help ensure patients continue to get the blood they urgently need. Giving blood takes less than an hour and could mean the world to someone in need”, Mr O’Connor added.
Just 17 per cent of blood donors are aged 18-30, but the IBTS are working to raise this figure to 25 per cent, with 46 the average blood donor age.