Think red – donate blood at SANBS Mount Edgecombe
SANBS's national summer campaign is currently underway, and its mission is to surpass South Africa's current blood donor base by 1%. While the campaign has a strong focus on youth between the ages of 16 and 24, everyone is encouraged to donate.
SHARING is caring this festive season, and the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is calling on South Africans to share the gift of life.
Speaking to Northglen News, SANBS head of marketing Neelashen Govender said that as the busy season approaches, the demand for blood from hospitals increases.
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He is encouraging all Durbanites and tourists to visit the donor centre in Mount Edgecombe to donate blood which will help the organisation keep blood stock at an acceptable level.
“We require 3 500 units of blood on a daily basis. In Kwazulu-Natal, we are reliant on blood drives at schools, businesses and tertiary institutions to collect these units, however, these facilities close over the festive period, so we have to rely on walk-in donors,” he said.
The donor centre in Mount Edgecombe caters for people farther north, from areas such as Verulam, Tongaat, eMdloti and uMhlanga.
Donor recruitment officer Dennis Ngongoma said their emphasis at present is to recruit new donors.
“We also need donors to help us maintain blood stock levels which have to be a five-day blood supply. During the busy period, there’s an increase in accidents. We encourage everyone to not miss their appointments this festive season,” he said.
SANBS plans on creating awareness, boosting blood collections, retaining regular donors and engaging the youth. Last Saturday lent itself to Red Saturday with Gateway Theatre of Shopping being the venue for a massive blood drive. This formed part of the summer campaign.
“We want to tap into the enthusiasm and potential of first-time donors while cultivating a culture where donating becomes a lifelong habit. This focus on new donors is not just about a one-time contribution; it’s about ingraining the value of regular donation as a routine part of life,” said Thandi Mosupye, senior manager of marketing, communication and brand at SANBS.
“Furthermore, the campaign encourages the youth to find purpose in making a difference,” added Mosupye.
“We invite young South Africans to become heroes by donating blood. Through this act, we foster a culture of giving that transforms lives and strengthens our healthcare system,” she said.
The Mount Edgecombe clinic is located at 52 Siphosethu Road, Mount Edgecombe, 4302, and is open from Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 16:00, and on Saturdays from 09:00 to 14:00. While donating blood, donors have a view of the laboratory which processes blood products on a daily basis.
For more information, call 031 719 6500.
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