SANBS calls for donations amid dwindling stocks

The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) faces severe blood stock shortages.

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The current weather conditions and a higher than usual demand for blood have sent blood stocks plummeting.

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 donate, to visit a SANBS blood donation site, to donate their precious unit of blood.

“With little blood available on hand, this will have a severe impact on the patients who rely on life-saving blood transfusions,” said Thandi Mosupye, SANBS senior manager for marketing, communication and brand.

“Whenever our blood stocks reach below three days, it places the lives of patients at risk.

“The lives of haemorrhaging mothers, newborn babies, accident victims, and thousands of other patients in need of a blood transfusion,” Mosupye said.

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Each blood donation gives patients a second chance with their loved ones, another Christmas to remember, another summer holiday at the beach, 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

To find out more about where you can donate blood, visit www.sanbs.org.za or call 0800 11 90 31.

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