Give the greatest gift

THIS weekend is your last chance to donate blood this year at a Blood Bank clinic in Vryheid. The clinic will be held at the Klipkerk Hall, and will operate from 10:00am to 6:00pm on Friday, and from 9:00am to 1:00pm on Saturday.

At this time of year it is vital that the SANBS (South African National Blood Service) has adequate stocks to cope for the holidays’ demand. Regular blood donors know this but if you are potentially a new donor, what do you need to know/

Basic Eligibility

Donating safe blood means you are committed to participating in a vital community service to improve the quality of life, for patients in need of blood transfusions.

The South African National Blood Service has various measures in place to protect the health and wellbeing of blood donors and patients. These measures ensure that its blood supply is among the safest in the world.

Minimum Requirements:

Weighing at least 50kg or more.

Between 16 and 65 of age.

In good health.

Leading a sexually safe lifestyle.

Consider your blood safe to for transfusion to a patient.

One must never donate blood to receive a free HIV test as it places the lives of patients at risk.

To know your HIV status and to receive proper treatment, potential donors should visit HIV testing centres to have themselves tested.