In the New Year many are focused on giving things up, Amanda hopes that the people of Cannock Chase will consider giving back instead. With less than 3% of people aged 17-70 giving blood in the last year, NHS Blood and Transplant is asking people in Cannock Chase to make a New Year’s resolution that saves lives.
In Cannock Chase 1,472 people are registered and regularly donate blood, this is just 1.5 per cent of the population. Giving blood for the first time is an inspirational way to start 2016. By giving up just one hour of your time you could save or improve up to three lives.
NHS Blood and Transplant always needs first time donors to replace those who can’t donate any more, and to ensure we have the right mix of blood groups to meet patient needs. You can help ensure that patients have access to the blood they need, when they need it.
Amanda Milling Member of Parliament for Cannock Chase has called on local people to do their part: “The New Year is a time when a lot of people focus on giving things up. As your local MP, I am asking people in Cannock Chase to focus on giving, and to register to give blood. It’s easy to sign up and book your first appointment using our website and mobile apps. Please don’t just give up something this January. Give life, too.”
More than half of our donors are aged over 45 so it’s important that we recruit younger people to donate blood now and in the years to come.
NHS Blood and Transplant needs donors from all blood groups and communities but is particularly looking for new donors from black and Asian communities, and donors with the universal blood group O negative, as well as from groups A negative, B negative and AB negative. Don’t worry if you don’t know your blood group before donating.
To book an appointment to donate visit www.blood.co.uk or call 0300 123 2323 to find your nearest session.
It is also easy to book through mobile apps for Windows, Android and Apple devices. To download the app, search 'NHSGiveBlood' in the app store.