Urgent appeal for blood donations

BLOOD donors are asked to keep donating blood during the holidays.
The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) urged people to donate blood especially with the festive season fast approaching.

“Traditionally, December is a difficult time for the SANBS, as we are unable to collect the 3 000 units of blood a day that is needed to treat patients, like those who are terminally ill, let alone any trauma incidents.

“If previous year’s blood stock levels, over the same period, is anything to go by, we know that we have some tough times ahead,” said SANBS regional marketing manager, Sifiso Khoza at a recent media breakfast.

ALSO READ: SANBS appeals for more blood donations

“We are pleading to the public for help. As we head into the busy holiday season, we are facing a particularly challenging situation and need blood and platelet donors to replenish the blood supply for hospital patients counting on us,” said Khoza.

He said every day, they depend on the generosity of volunteers to roll up a sleeve to help ensure lifesaving blood products are available for those in need.

The KZN region has planned various special blood drive promotions over the festive season and into January 2019 with extended hours and additional weekend blood drives.

“We want to encourage the public to find 30 minutes this holiday period to donate blood, because while you are relaxing and enjoying the break, your blood will be out there saving up to three lives,” added Khoza.

Do you want to receive alerts regarding this and other Highway community news via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname (ONLY) to 060 532 5409.

You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

PLEASE NOTE: If you have signed up for our news alerts you need to save the Highway Mail WhatsApp number as a contact to your phone, otherwise you will not receive our alerts.