February is the month of love but at the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) this love is celebrated every month.
With your unselfish act of donating blood and sharing the love, you can make a difference to someone’s life.
“It can also be a time to show your love to those you may never meet by donating blood and making a difference to the lives of others.” said Sifiso Khoza, regional marketing manager of the SANBS.
January blood stock levels seemed to have dropped to less than one day in some provinces with the national average of two days for most of the month.
The SANBS need the public to join the blood donation community and start donating a minimum of four times a year.
“So we encourage all eligible donors to share their liquid love this month and commit to donating blood a minimum of four times a year,” said Khoza.
It’s not too late to make this your resolution for 2015!
As a gesture to say “thank you” the SANBS have a limited edition sports bag for those who donate four units in a calendar year.
With schools, universities and organisations all back to usual operation the SANBS thought they would be able to maintain good blood stock levels, however that has not been the case.
People who meet the minimum requirements are encouraged to become regular blood donors.
In order to become a blood donor you must:
Weigh at least 50kg
Be between the ages of 16-65
Lead a safe sexual lifestyle
Be in general good health and
Consider your blood safe for transfusion to a patient.
How to find the nearest donor centre
You can phone 0800 11 9031 or send your postal code to 31454.
Also check out their website, or visit their Facebook page and follow them on Twitter.
Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.
Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here, or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.
