Westville school helps save lives
Atholl Heights Primary School partners with South African National Blood Service to boost community blood donations and help save lives.
ATHOLL Heights Primary School (AHPS) hosted another blood drive on Friday, April 17.
The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) and AHPS have been in partnership since June 2023.
“In that year we launched a challenge to the community to beat 250 pints of blood on the day. This was a record set by our maintenance manager, Mr Jan Storm, who had up until that point in his life donated 250 pints of whole blood.
“Since then we have committed to being a community donor centre once a term,” said Jo-Ash van Aswegen, AHPS marketing manager.
As a community school, Van Aswegen said an event like this provides a platform to unite a community and raise awareness of the importance of donating blood.
“It allows members of community to be examples for our learners by showing their commitment to giving back and supporting their community and a cause bigger than themselves.
“It also provides an opportunity to be educated on why blood gets donated and what the pints donated get used for in the medical field,” he said.
Anele Ngcobo, donor relations practitioner, said the SANBS’ current blood stocks are in a good position, as the KZN zone is sitting at six days’ cover, which is excellent.
While this is encouraging, Ngcobo noted that ongoing support from schools, businesses and various organisations remains important to maintain these levels.
“Our partnership with Atholl Heights Primary School has continued to play a key role in sustaining the blood supply and ensuring patients receive the care they need as blood is always needed in hospitals for various procedures.
“The target for the drive was 30 units and we collected 28 and fell slightly short by two units to reach our target, which is still a good effort. We are sincerely grateful to the school, staff, and the parents for their continued support and generosity,” said Ngcobo, adding that their contribution makes a meaningful difference and helps
save lives.
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