Blood supply in crisis zone
Last week, blood stocks dropped below one day's worth.
Blood stocks dropped to below one day’s supply last week, heralding what is known as the crisis season.
Staff of the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) Newcastle Branch said the year-end period was historically a poor season for collections, and this year had seen a drastic shortage of blood supplies.
This was exacerbated by the low number of school donors, owing to examinations.
SANBS spokesperson, Shavani Sewpaul said the O So Special day on November 22 served to encourage donors and to help them realise how important their respective blood type was.
“We will offer rapid blood grouping on the day and get additional information.”
The Newcastle Donor Centre will be open from 9am until 6pm on the day (Friday), and staff will be at the Murchison and Hardwick street intersection to raise additional awareness.
“We need donors and people must be aware they are welcome to donate.”
To donate blood, a prospective donor must be between the ages of 16 and 65, must weigh more than 50 kilograms, must be in good health and should lead a sexually safe lifestyle.
The Newcastle branch of the SANBS is located at the Newcastle Mall, in the same block as First National Bank.
