Every donation starts with someone choosing to give, and we’re grateful for each of you. So, when we can’t get in touch with you, or we hear you haven’t been getting our messages, it matters to us. Often the reason is simple. You have a new phone number, you changed jobs, or you left varsity or school. Life happens, but we’d love to fix it so we can stay connected and you can continue to do the remarkable thing you set out to do: save lives.
How we stay in touch
When you completed your donor questionnaire the first time, you told us how you would like to hear from us, either by SMS, email or phone call. We use that choice to reach you every time we get in touch, so if any of these have changed, it’s worth making sure these details are updated. It’s also a good idea to choose more than one option, so if one changes, we can still inform you about your next blood donor clinic. We promise we won’t spam you, and should you want to unsubscribe, the option is always there.
What is a panel and why it matters
Every donor is linked to a clinic panel. When you donate at a particular venue, e.g. at your varsity or place of work, you are added to that panel of donors. Every time that clinic is scheduled to take place and you are due to donate, you will be contacted for that particular clinic. These panels help us send the right blood donation clinic information to the right people.
You will remain on that particular panel until you tell us otherwise. If you’ve finished studying, changed jobs or moved to another town, we may still be sending you reminders for your old campus or workplace, or to an old phone number or email address. Even if your contact details are correct, it’s important to check that you’re linked to the right clinic panel so you receive reminders for a clinic that is convenient for you. And remember, you can always change this as you go along.
Regular blood donors are the backbone of our blood supply and patients across the Western Cape depend on them. Staying in touch means we can let you know when your blood is needed.
The Easy Fix
Luckily, updating your details is super easy. You can update all your details, including your contact details, your preferred clinic and how you would like to be contacted on the WCBS App. First time donors need to complete a questionnaire at the clinic before creating a profile on the app. To update your details:
Step one: Download the WCBS donor app from the app store. Click on the link below: https://www.wcbs.org.za/wcbs-app/
Step two: Create a profile on the app
Step three: Choose your preferred clinic and method of contact.
• To change your preferred clinic, go into your profile and select update clinic
• To change your contact method, go into your profile and select the envelop at the bottom of the page. It will take you to “communication types” where you can select SMS, Email and phone. You may select more than one method.
Step four: Save, and you’re done.
If you already have the app, check that all your details are correct and update where necessary. Check that your chosen clinic (or panel) is correct to make sure you are kept updated with clinic dates and times.
Keeping your details up to date makes a real difference. It means our reminders reach you so you never miss the chance to save a life. Every donation and every donor matters, and if we haven’t seen you in a while, you’re always welcome back. Thank you for saving lives and for helping us stay in touch.
