A campaign to encourage more people to give blood has been unveiled by the Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) in Dublin this morning.
IBTS will set up information stands throughout the State this week to promote awareness of the constant need for blood donations.
National blood stocks can barely keep up with the demand for blood products, which are used in life-saving operations and in the treatment of cancer, liver and kidney disease and bleeding disorders.
A minimum of 3,000 units of blood is needed each week to supply hospitals with their requirement. Just 3,028 units were in stock nationally last week.
The IBTS announced details of the Blood for Life week at an event in Tymon Park, Tallaght. The campaign runs from today until Sunday, September 28th. Events taking place throughout the State will include a display by the Irish Hang-gliding Association on Friday.
Information stands will be located at a number of venues, including Superquinn stores nationwide. Those lending their support to Blood for Life week include athlete Sonia O'Sullivan, former Irish rugby international Peter Clohessy and news reader Sharon Ní Bheoláin.
Two-year-old Eoghan O'Sullivan from Co Carlow, who recently received several blood transfusions during an organ transplant, was at the event with his parents, Sean and Christine O'Sullivan.
Mr Brian Kerr, the Republic of Ireland soccer manager, also attended the Tymon Park event.