Local newsNews

Donate blood during winter

The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is urging community members to make every day a Mandela Day and become regular blood donors.

According to Terrance Pillay SANBS Benoni branch public relations practitioner, their current blood stocks are at a critical level and they are experiencing low collections due to schools and universities being on holiday as well as the cold weather conditions.

“The collections have dropped drastically resulting in a daily average of about two days of blood being available.

“This is far less than the five day stock required to ensure that the country’s demand for safe blood is met, said Pillay.

The SANBS needs to collect 3 000 units of blood a day to meet the demand, and since the start of the winter holidays they have not been able to achieve this.

One unit of blood can save up to three lives and donors can donate every 56 days.

“Your blood is vital in helping change the lives of those who are dependent on blood transfusions for their survival.

“This is a plea to all South Africans who meet the minimum requirements to commit to donating blood, especially at this very difficult period,” concluded Pillay.

The minimum requirements for a donor:

• Be between the ages of 16 – 65 years
• Weigh more than 50 kg
• Be in good health
• Live a sexually safe lifestyle

All our centres will be operating until 6pm during the first three weeks of July.

To find your nearest donor centre call contact 0800 11 9031 or visit www.sanbs.org.za or find find the SANBS on Facebook or Twitter.

At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here.

Related Articles

Back to top button