Save a life on World Blood Donor Day
The theme for this year’s World Blood Donor Day on June 14 is blood donation in emergencies
JUNE is Blood Donor Month and this time the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) wants to acknowledge those who selflessly give the gift of life to strangers.
“South Africa is well acquainted with heroes like Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, Nkosi Johnson, Natalie du Toit – they are widely feted and acknowledged.
“But there are scores of other unacknowledged heroes in South Africa, the thousands of ordinary men and women who regularly donate blood, selflessly and without expectation of a reward or recognition,” says national marketing manager for the SANBS, Silungile Mlambo.
The theme for this year’s World Blood Donor Day on June 14 is blood donation in emergencies.
While the global campaign is aimed at helping people in emergency situations, such as natural disasters and trauma situations, Mlambo says incidents of trauma make up only a fraction of the demand for blood in South Africa.
“By far the greatest proportion of blood is required in other situations, such as in childbirth and for cancer patients. In South Africa blood shortages occur most often during school holidays and they are predominantly caused by lower collections of blood as a result of schools and universities closing and the demand staying consistent,” says Mlambo.
This year’s Blood Donor Month and World Blood Donor Day will be in celebration of those who donate selflessly.
“It gives us the opportunity to acknowledge their gift and to say thank you. Thank you for saving the life of that mother, thank you for saving the life of that car accident victim, thank you for saving the life of that premature baby. Thank you for giving them a lifetime of memories. Your selflessness is not unrecognised, nor will it ever be forgotten.”
Mlambo calls on all South Africans to donate blood.
“One simple action can can make a huge difference. For the donor, it’s a few minutes every 56 days. For the recipient, it’s helping them live so they can create a lifetime of memories. Become a donor, it’s not just blood. It’s saving a nation.”
To donate, visit your nearest blood bank or for more information visit sanbs.org.za or call 0800 11 90 31.
