Blood reserves at the Belgian Red Cross reached critically low levels on Monday, the charity warned in a statement.
After an inevitably low turn-out during the Christmas holidays, the charity's supplies are facing another hit in January, resulting in reduced services to hospital patients in need of blood donations.
The Red Cross is calling for an emergency response from donors. "January is crucial for replenishing our reserves," the Blood Service explained in a statement. "Without massive mobilisation, the situation will continue to deteriorate week by week."
While all blood types are currently in demand, the organisation is undergoing a significant shortage of blood type O negative. As of Monday morning, it was in possession of merely 100 bags compared to the 300 bags necessary to meet hospitals' weekly demand.
Anyone who meets the donation criteria is strongly encouraged to contact a collection point. More information about donation can be found at www.DonneurDeSang.be.
