Made In Chelsea's Rosie is encouraging you to donate
National blood stocks have fallen by 7 per cent over the jubilee weekend according to latest figures from NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) which has this week launched its annual awareness campaign, National Blood Week, to urge the public to donate blood.
Past experience shows that even regular donors miss appointments during national events and celebrations as people become distracted and routines are disrupted – for example blood stocks fell by 20 per cent during the 2006 World Cup.
During the National Blood Week recruitment drive additional appointments have been created and selected blood donor sessions have extended opening hours to give donors more flexibility to schedule a visit. Regional recruitment events will also be driving awareness and enabling people to sign up.
To launch the 2012 National Blood Week, Made In Chelsea’s Rosie Fortescue has rolled her sleeves up to recreate the heroic ‘Rosie the Riveter’ WWII poster and issue a rallying cry for new and existing blood donors to come forward.
Rosie Fortescue, who shares her name with the 1940s poster girl, said: “This woman clearly knew how to get things done, and I feel honoured to become a modern day campaigner for the national blood stock build. Blood supplies are vital to the health service and every unit of blood can save or improve the lives of up to three people.”
Jon Latham, spokesperson for NHS Blood and Transplant said: “We know from experience that major public events have a big impact on blood stocks so we prepared ahead for the jubilee to build stocks in advance but we now need a huge effort from the public ahead of a summer of sport. This year we need to build 30% increase in blood stock levels ahead of the Olympics celebrations – so please make a date to donate.”
HOW TO DONATE: If you are eligible to donate or are thinking of donating for the first time please go to www.blood.co.uk or ring us now on 0300 123 23 23 to make an appointment.
Tagged in Health Olympics NHS Example The National Healthy Body Made in Chelsea