South Africans urged to donate blood

SANBS communications officer Khensani Mahlangu said that the national blood service received an overwhelming response from donors showing consistent support during lockdown.

“This was owing to the fact that people had been home and they were able to regularly visit their donor centres to give blood. They rallied and continued to visit their donor centres consistently. At no point have our blood stocks dropped to crisis level lows,” said Mahlangu.

She said now that more people are reintegrating into their workplaces, they are experiencing declines in blood stocks.”We are seeing an apprehension from our corporate partners and schools to host us on site which means we are struggling to meet our collection goals.

“This is compounded by the fact that people avoid donor centres amid the winter chill.”

Mahlangu encouraged residents to continue to visit donor centres as it is still safe to do so. “SANBS protocols for screening donors and cleaning our donor centres have always been robust and our precautionary measures have been enhanced for the protection of donors and staff members.

“Donor centres use sterile collection protocols in addition to our routine donation safety precautions.”

Heightened infection control measures at donor centres include alcohol hand-rub solutions at entrances, regular disinfection of surfaces and equipment and screening of all persons at the centres.

Precautionary deferrals of 28 days are imposed on persons that might have travelled overseas, those who might have been confirmed positive or have come into contact with a person with Covid-19.

Those with flu-like symptoms are also deferred for seven days.

“At a time when people are focused on staying warm and avoiding contracting Covid-19, little concern is available for much else. We are hoping, however, that donors who are due to donate are able to find the time to make a difference because we anticipate added pressure on blood supply.

“The cold temperatures and mass hospitalisation of people due to the outbreak could see the number of eligible donors decrease significantly, putting the lives of many at risk.”

To find your nearest donor centre, visit the SANBS site by clicking here.

If you can, you should. Your blood can help save and improve lives and vice versa. In the spirit of Nelson Mandela Month donate blood to help save lives. https://t.co/OkAsthfclh. @theSANBS @WHO pic.twitter.com/ZeY1Lp7C1p

— Life Healthcare (@LifeHealthcare_) July 1, 2020

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