Dundee blood donors have helped replenish vital blood stocks, with 38 people attending the latest blood drive at St James Church Hall and 31 units of blood collected.

According to the South African National Blood Service (SANBS), each donated unit can help save up to three lives, meaning the latest drive could benefit as many as 93 patients.

Among those who donated was Leon Lombard, who reached the remarkable milestone of his 250th blood donation.

The next blood donation clinic will be held on Heritage Day, Thursday, September 24, at the Dundee Boulevard Centre from 9am to 2pm.

National blood stocks under pressure

The clinic comes as SANBS urges eligible South Africans to donate amid declining national blood stocks.

SANBS aims to maintain a five-day blood supply to ensure hospitals have access to blood when it is needed. The organisation needs to collect about 3 500 units every day to meet demand, but current collections are falling short of this target.

Several factors have contributed to the decline, including fewer blood drives at schools and universities during examinations and competing demands on donors’ time.

SANBS is appealing to regular donors who are due to donate, as well as first-time donors and previous donors who can return to donating.

While students are understandably focused on their examinations, the need for blood continues every day.

Mothers give birth, patients undergo surgery, accident and trauma victims require emergency treatment, while people receiving ongoing medical care also depend on a safe and sufficient blood supply.

“We are appealing to all eligible South Africans to make time to donate – whether you are a regular donor who is due, considering donating for the first time or a previous donor who has not donated for some time,” said Monique Schreiner, SANBS senior manager: Donor Relations.

“Every donor helps strengthen our blood supply and gives patients the hope of another tomorrow.”

SANBS is particularly encouraging O and B blood group donors who are due to donate to come forward, as these groups contribute significantly to maintaining the national blood supply.