Significantly higher than usual demand for blood has resulted in plummeting group O reserves. The Tzaneen SANBS are currently doing a Mandela Day blood drive. It kicked off today, July 13 at Tzaneen Lifestyle Centre. The blood drive continues on Friday, July 14 from 10:00 until 17:00 at the Lifestyle Centre, and will continue until Saturday, July 15, and Sunday, July 16 from 09:00 to 14:00.

SANBS says that the blood banks are currently very low on blood stocks and are pleading with all donors to help them with blood donations. The critical blood types are B+ and O+. There are only four days’ worth of B+ blood and 3.7 days’ worth of O+ blood. The SANBS needs to maintain a blood stock level of five days for each blood group to ensure sustained blood availability for patients in need.

Also read: Appeal to public to donate blood urgently

Less than 1% of South Africans are active blood donors. A unit of blood only lasts 42 days after donation and, for this reason, it is essential for blood donors to donate regularly. Donors can give blood as often as every eight weeks. Every unit of blood can save at least three lives as blood is separated into red blood cells, plasma, and platelets.

SANBS aims to collect 3000 units of blood per day to ensure a safe and sufficient blood supply in the health care system. There are many SANBS blood donation centres open to the public. Visit their website at https://sanbs.org.za/ HYPERLINK!! to find a donation centre near you.