BTSB urges Calovians to donate blood over the coming weeks
All are encourage to attend the blood donation clinic tomorrow in Tullow and at The Talbot Hotel, Carlow later this month
SIXTY-SEVEN percent of donated blood is used to treat cancer patients and people with blood disorders, 27% in surgery and emergency situations, 6% to treat blood loss after childbirth and to help premature babies.
The fact is, 100% of all donated blood is precious and saves lives every day. It’s your loved one, your friend, your neighbour and maybe even yourself.
That’s the message the Irish Blood Transfusion Service is reminding the Carlow public of as it holds a series of blood donation clinics in the county over the coming weeks.
The first takes place this Sunday 15 December in Tullow Community School from noon to 3.30pm.
Blood donations clinics will be held in The Talbot Hotel, Carlow on the following dates and times – Thursday 19 December, 3.45pm to 8pm; Sunday 22 December and Monday 23 December, 11am to 2.30pm and on Friday 27 December from 1pm to 4.30pm.
To check your eligibility or to book an appointment, go to giveblood.ie or call 1800222111.
Just how important and vital bloods donations are was highlighted in a recent edition of The Nationalist by the family of five-year-old Caoimhe Cullen, who required a number of blood transfusions as she underwent chemotherapy treatment.
Local donors can also be inspired by the wonderful Oisín's Campaign ‘Every Drop Counts, I Know’, founded by the late Oisín Kelly from Fenagh, Carlow and continued by his family to empower sports clubs to support blood donation Oisín, a member of Naomh Eoin GAA Club, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma (bone cancer) in 2021, and after a lengthy battle, sadly died in August 2023.
Throughout his illness, Oisín received many blood and platelet transfusions, and he and his family learned that many cancer patients require blood and platelet transfusions as part of their treatment – this was a vital part of the treatment for Oisín.
Oisín aimed to raise awareness about the importance of blood donation, especially among young people, emphasising its vital nature. Carlow GAA is honoured to continue to promote Oisín’s message.
It’s a busy time for year, but all are encouraged to spare the time to donate – it is precious and could even save a life.
