Learners answer the call to keep blood stocks flowing
The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) has returned to schools around the country for their school-drive initiative, and one of their first stops for 2024 was at St Henry’s Marist College.
AS the academic year has been in full swing for over a month now, The South African National Blood Service has resumed their school donor-drive initiatives for eligible learners to donate and keep the blood banks full.
SANBS made their first stop for the year at St Henry’s Marist College in Glenwood on February 22, where both regular and new donors came out in support of the organisation. SANBS depends on schools to assist them in reaching its daily goal of collecting 3 500 units.
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As schools adjust to the new year, the blood collection agency appeals to parents, guardians, aunts and uncles to donate blood and help them boost their low blood stocks. The SANBS appeals to the public to come out in their numbers to donate, stating that blood banks are often empty after lengthy school holidays, such as the December ones, as they are unable to go to schools and get donations.
First donor of the day was Sayuran Moodley, a former learner of St Henry’s Marist College, who was donating for the sixth time this year. And very close to Moodley’s record was Malakai Peter, a Grade 12 learner at the school, who was now donating for the fifth time. Peter said this was his way of giving back.
To become a blood donor, you must:
- be between the ages of 16 and 75 years weigh 50kg or more
- be in good health and lead a healthy lifestyle
- consider your blood safe for transfusion to a patient
- hopefully commit to donating blood regularly.
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SANBS has gone digital for filling out the form at their donation sites, making their services faster and more efficient. Call 0800 119 031 to find a nearby donation site. Share this urgent appeal with your friends, family and colleagues and encourage them to join you in making a difference by donating blood. Every share counts, and together, many lives can be saved.
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