Red Cross Urges S’poreans To Donate Blood As An ‘Essential Service’
The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted many industries & organisations, and our blood banks are no exception.
In a recent blood stock update on Saturday (29 May), Singapore Red Cross shared that stocks of blood types are falling quickly into the low to critical levels.
They’ve urged all Singaporeans to donate if possible, reminding everyone that blood donation remains an ‘essential service’ in these trying times.
Blood types A+, AB+ & AB- are at critically low levels
As of 29 May, the Singapore Red Cross shared that blood types A+, AB+ and AB- have fallen to critical levels.
Type B+ and O+ blood stock is currently at low levels as well.
A- and O- supplies are seen in ‘moderate’ levels while B- remains in a ‘healthy’ supply.
According to a report by The Straits Times, national blood stocks have dropped by 1/3 of its usual supply amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
SRC has stated that this drop is significantly higher than the 20% fall in donations typically seen over periods such as festive seasons.
Blood donation remains an essential service
SRC has reminded all Singaporeans that blood banks have remained opened since the beginning of “Circuit Breaker” on 7 Apr.
They have acknowledged despite remaining open, many Singaporeans would be hesitant to leave their homes in light of the risks involved.
However, it is important to note that blood is needed for almost 30,000 patients here to survive, with 400 bags required daily.
In numerous posts on their Facebook page, SRC has urged all Singaporeans to continue donating blood in this time.
Potential donors can schedule appointments
Since the call for help has already been made, here’s how you can assist with blood donation effort.
To ensure a safe blood donation process, do adhere to SRC’s following guidelines:
- Make an appointment with SRC using SingPass
- Check in & out via SafeEntry
Potential donors are urged to schedule appointments at regular intervals as blood has a short shelf life.
For more information on eligibility and where you can donate blood, do visit the SRC website here.
Ensuring a sustainable supply of blood
Although efforts have been made to organise regular blood drives, more still needs to be done to ensure a sustainable supply of blood for everyone.
With only less than 2% of Singaporeans registered as blood donors, those of us who remain healthy should consider stepping in to assist those in need of a steady supply of blood.
We’re also thankful that SRC is doing all it can to ensure that the process remains safe for all of us.
Hopefully, with everyone’s combined efforts, we’ll be able to restore blood stocks to healthy levels soon.
Featured image adapted from Facebook.
