TO celebrate World Blood Donor Day today, June 14, two businesses have teamed up with the South African National Blood Service to host a major blood drive.

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Netcare Umhlanga Hospital and East Coast Radio will host the drive from the hospital premises from 06:00 to 18:00 with the aim of collecting 400 units.

Dennis Ngongoma, donor relations practioner for SANBS, said the winter months are a challenging time for SANBS as there is a higher prevalence of colds and flu.

“In KZN, we are reliant on schools and tertiary institutions for donations, however, most institutions are busy with exams and will then close for the holidays. These factors also significantly affect our blood collections which is why we encourage donors, existing and new, to come and support this blood drive,” he said.

He added that World Blood Donor Day is special day on SANBS’ calendar as it highlights the importance of blood donation.

“To avoid reaching critically low levels, SANBS needs South Africans – active donors, lapsed donors and potential donors – to bolster the national blood stocks.

SANBS runs blood drives across the country throughout the week, such as the one being hosted at Netcare Umhlanga Hospital,” he said.

Ngongoma encouraged donors of all blood types to donate blood, especially if they belong to the O group.

“With the help of our donors, we have been able to carry out the monumental task of keeping our blood stocks stable, despite the challenges at hand. Our plea is that all healthy and capable donors visit their nearest donation site to donate blood,” he said.

For further information about World Blood Donor Day, or to find out how to become a blood donor, visit www.sanbs.org.za or call SANBS at 0800 11 9031.

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