As the country continues to emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic that disrupted life as we knew it, the need for blood products is rapidly increasing.
The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) said they remain committed to keeping their promise to save lives.
According to Ravi Reddy, Chief Operations Officer at SANBS, despite the extraordinary reaction from their generous regular donors, who have responded loudly and proudly to their calls for support, they are experiencing shortages owing to the scarcity of mobile blood drive venues.
“Covid-19 restrictions have limited our ability to collect adequate blood stocks severely, particularly because we are not able to access schools, colleges and corporates for blood drives.
At the SANBS, we are doing our utmost to continue to maintain adequate blood stock levels to service the needs of our country. The high demand for blood requires that we work even harder together to ensure that no lives are lost due to blood shortages.
“Booking group donations and hosting mobile blood drive events are other meaningful ways to engage your network to save lives.
“Every donation makes a difference. While some South Africans may not be able to donate, they can assist us in collecting much-needed blood. In our networks of friends, families and colleagues there will always be someone who is able to donate blood. Partner with us and lend a hand in ramping up our recruitment efforts by urging healthy, eligible blood donors to donate and help prevent shortages.
“The SANBS has continually maintained and implemented safety and wellness measures at our donor centres and mobile blood drives across the country, for the protection of our staff and donors alike. “In years past, our partners and community-minded supporters have kept us going. Through setting and meeting collection goals together we have been able to meet the constant demand for blood.”
Visit their website to book a mobile blood drive and for more information. Alternatively, you can contact their call centre on 0800 11 9031.
