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14/05/2003
NI public urged to give blood
Mid-Ulster UUP councillor Billy Armstrong has urged the Northern Ireland public to ‘roll up your sleeves and give blood’.
At present around 1 million people are entitled to give blood, however, only 6% of the population actually donate.
Mr Armstrong said: “In percentage terms, 35% of blood donated is used for cancer patients, 8% for Road Traffic accidents and an unknown but substantial figure is used for routine operations, such as childbirth.
“There are many misconceptions out there as to why some people may not donate blood. People believe that if they smoke, consume alcohol or are on medication that they can not donate. This is often not the case.
“Each of us or someone who is close to us will most probably require blood for one or more of the instances mentioned. Therefore we have an obligation to ensure that there is sufficient provision."
At present a person is eligible to donate blood from the age of 17 through to aged 70. People can also donate every 16 weeks, equating to a mere three times per year.
To become a blood donor the public can telephone 0500 534 666 or log onto the Blood Transfusion website on www.nibts.org
(MB)
At present around 1 million people are entitled to give blood, however, only 6% of the population actually donate.
Mr Armstrong said: “In percentage terms, 35% of blood donated is used for cancer patients, 8% for Road Traffic accidents and an unknown but substantial figure is used for routine operations, such as childbirth.
“There are many misconceptions out there as to why some people may not donate blood. People believe that if they smoke, consume alcohol or are on medication that they can not donate. This is often not the case.
“Each of us or someone who is close to us will most probably require blood for one or more of the instances mentioned. Therefore we have an obligation to ensure that there is sufficient provision."
At present a person is eligible to donate blood from the age of 17 through to aged 70. People can also donate every 16 weeks, equating to a mere three times per year.
To become a blood donor the public can telephone 0500 534 666 or log onto the Blood Transfusion website on www.nibts.org
(MB)
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