The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is urgently calling on Group O donors to donate blood to meet demand.

According to SANBS there has been an increasingly high demand for blood in hospitals, leaving Group O blood stocks at a low. As a result of the low blood stocks, SANBS is appealing to members of the public to visit the nearest donor center as soon as they can.

Group O is considered the universal blood group, because anyone regardless of blood type can receive type O blood without risking a transfusion reaction.

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Silungile Mlambo, SANBS chief marketing officer, said,“We are experiencing a high demand of blood from hospitals and are in serious need of blood donations across the country. Our Group O blood stocks are approaching a low. We are appealing to people to donate a unit of blood in aid of those who may need blood or blood products during this period,” she said.
Mlambo said the best gift you can give anyone is the gift of life.
“We know that South Africans have huge hearts and we call on them to fully embrace the spirit of Ubuntu by giving their blood donation today.”

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The SANBS has planned various blood drives with extended hours and additional weekend blood drives to ensure a stable supply of blood during this period.

“It is only possible to meet the demand with the help of regular and committed blood donors. Blood donations go beyond just the person who receives blood. It’s not just blood, it’s saving a nation,” she said.

In the Lowveld you can visit ilanga Mall Donor Centre (Tel: 013-742 2070), Riverside Donor Centre (Tel: 013-757-1216) or Lydenburg Donor Centre (Tel: 013-235-3612).

Visit www.sanbs.org.za, contact 0800-11-9031 or follow them on Twitter (@theSANBS), Facebook (@SANBS) and Instagram (@thesanbs) to find out where you can donate blood this festive season.