RESIDENTS are being encouraged to register to give blood after more than 1,000 people across the county signed up this year.
A total of 1,318 people from Worcestershire signed up to give blood for the first time in 2017 and NHS Blood and Transplant is looking to improve on that figure for 2018.
Across the country 900,000 people donated blood and this New Year, Worcestershire residents are being asked to be a part of a group of people who help save lives.
NHS Blood and Transplant needs around 200,000 new donors every year to maintain the supply for life-saving blood donations.
Donors are needed from all blood groups and communities but there is a particular need for more people from black and Asian communities to donate to help provide the right mix of blood.
Mike Stredder, director of blood donation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “It’s New Year and like many of us, you may be thinking about the year ahead and some changes you’d like to make to your life.
“Perhaps you want to cut down on drinking, eat more healthily or are considering joining a gym?
“This year we are asking people in Worcestershire to focus on giving and to register to give blood. It’s easy to sign up and book your first appointment online or via our mobile phone app.
“By donating blood you will save or improve the lives of up to three people. Do something amazing in 2018. Give blood.”
In general, as long as residents are fit and healthy, weigh over seven stone 12 lbs (50kg) and are aged between 17 and 66 (up to 70 if you have given blood before) then they should be able to give blood.
Anyone over the age of 70 must have given blood in the last two years to continue donating.
Those who are already a blood donor are encouraged to become a platelet donor.
NHS Blood and Transplant particularly needs donors with the A negative blood group as they can help any patient, regardless of blood type.
One platelet donation can help up to three adults or 12 babies or children.
To register and become a donor, visit www.blood.co.uk or download the app by searching ‘NHSGiveBlood’ in the app store.
Residents can also call the Donor Line on 0300 123 23 23.
