The Belgian Red Cross launched an urgent appeal for blood donations on Tuesday due to “very critical” stocks and prospects “far from being able to meet hospital needs” during the summer.
Stocks of O Negative blood group, a universal donor, are particularly affected, the organisation's Blood Service disclosed..
The Service is calling on donors to come forward as soon as possible to guarantee hospital supplies over the coming weeks. “The spring holiday periods and successive bank holidays have significantly reduced the Blood Service’s stocks in the space of a few weeks,” it explained.
The organisation recalled that 14 June is World Blood Donor Day which, this year, “marks all its meaning and all its importance.”
To this end, all Red Cross Blood Service sites will be open exceptionally until 7 p.m. on 14 June. “It is advisable, if you wish, to make an appointment on that day,” the organisation warned
Donors can also locate blood collection sites near them on the dedicated Red Cross website.
