SANBS calls on donors to help combat blood Group O shortage
Saving a life is as easy as A, B, O
Not all heroes wear capes, some are just ordinary people making regular lifesaving donations to those in need.
The South African National Blood Services (SANBS) is currently experiencing a shortage of blood group O supplies and are calling on ordinary ‘herOes’ to heed their call.
Referred to as the universal blood type, type O can be given to all patients in an emergency situation, no matter their blood type thus, saving valuable time.
This month, the SANBS is calling on healthy and eligible donors to donate safe blood.
Donor relations practitioner Terrance Pillay, explains that ample supply of group O blood is not only vital in treating patients during medical emergencies but is used to save the lives of new born babies.
“Babies born with blood disorders may require immediate blood transfusion to save their lives,” he said.
“Difficulties may occur in determining the blood group of infants and therefore access to O-blood can play a crucial role in saving their lives.”
He said that due to their delicate immune systems, babies also need ‘fresher’ blood than other patients.
While red blood cells stored up to 42 days can be transfused to most adult patients, only blood less than five days old may be given to new born patients.
If you weigh over 50kg, between the ages of 16 and 75 and lead a healthy lifestyle pop in to your local donor centre or support the various SANBS pop-up collection drives.
Donors are further called support the SANBS’ Mall to Action campaign on November 30.
Mass drives will take place at:
• Tsakane Mall
• Brentwood Park Mall
• Lakeside Mall
• Harvest Place, Kempton Park
For more information call 0800 11 90 31
