An annual report has shown that blood donation was one of the worst affected sectors in Ireland during the Covid 19 pandemic. Due to high demand and low supply, the Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) had to import blood from Britain twice last year.
The report shows that nearly 128,000 blood donations were given last year and 55% of those were given by men. This was a small increase on the previous years figures, with a growth of 4%.
Blood has a lifespan of only 35 days which means supplies have to be constantly replenished. This results in 3,000 units of blood being needed every week. CEO of the IBTS Orla O'Brien explains to reach this target 40 blood donation clinics need to be opened around the country every week and 2,500 people need to donate.
O'Brien is urging more people to begin donating and to donate frequently, to combat the ever growing demand for life saving blood.
If you would like to donate, go to GiveBlood.ie to learn about your local clinic.
