Make blood donation a resolution for 2015
Donating blood is a worthwhile new year’s resolution, says the SANBS.
THE South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is encouraging the community to make blood donation a new year's resolution this year.
According to SANBS, there was a significant increase in the blood stock over the festive season and donors showed their support during this traditionally difficult time for SANBS.
“We managed to get through this period without going into a shortage,for this we say a big thank you! However, there has been a massive decline in donations as we entered January. This resulted in the days cover dropping to 2.5 days. This is significantly lower than the five days blood stock that is needed to meet the demand in the country,” said Sifiso Khoza, regional marketing manager at SANBS.
Instead of giving something up this year, SANBS is asking people to give blood.
“Donating blood saves lives. It’s an easy resolution to keep and it is easy to get started. There are many people who haven’t donated before, or haven’t done so for a while, and we are asking them to come forward and donate blood regularly. Your blood saves lives,” said Khoza.
SANBS encourages all donors to donate blood on a regular basis. To become a blood donor you must be between the ages of 16 and 65 years, weigh more than 50kg, lead a sexually safe lifestyle, be healthy on the day of donation and have eaten a good meal before donating.
Visit Musgrave Blood Donor Clinic next to Berea Congregational Church in Pardy Gardens Road, off Musgrave Road to donate blood today.
