The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is facing blood stock shortages and needs help from the community to avoid a crisis.
SANBS needs to collect 3 500 units of blood a day and is urgently appealing to all potential and existing blood donors that are due to donating, to visit a SANBS blood donation site and give a precious unit of blood.
Local donor relations practitioner Trude Gaarekoe reminds the public there is no substitute for human blood.
“Bloodstock is critically low at the moment, hence we are appealing to our East Rand community to roll up their sleeves and donate blood.
“We also need to be proactive now as we’re heading towards the busy festive season. This means there are more people on the road, which means more accidents.
“SANBS can also not hold blood drives at schools at the moment as they are preparing for exams,” said Gaarekoe.
Each unit of blood gives patients invaluable time with their loved ones – another Christmas to remember, another summer holiday at the beach and another birthday celebration.
To become a blood donor, you must:
• Be between the ages of 16 and 75 years
• Weigh 50kg or more
• Be in good health
• Lead a healthy lifestyle
• Consider your blood safe for transfusion to a patient
• Commit to donating blood regularly.
The donor centre at the East Rand Mall is operational on weekdays from 10:00 to 18:00 and Saturdays from 09:00 to 15:00.
To find out more about other venues where you can donate blood, visit www.sanbs.org.za or call 0800 11 90 31.
Connect with us on Twitter (@theSANBS), Facebook (@SANBS) and Instagram (@thesanbs).
SANBS is, furthermore, appealing to the public to make venues available for blood drives.
Suitable venues include spaces accessible and open to the public. All willing and eligible donors are urged to visit their nearest mobile and fixed donor centres. If you can host a blood drive, visit the SANBS website and book a blood drive.
Don’t let South Africa run out of safe blood. Donate today.
Also Read: SANBS Good Hood campaign coming to your doorstep
Also Read: Local schools hold blood drives for SANBS
