Dundee donors urged to donate blood

Blood supply in KwaZulu-Natal is critically low and about to run out, with only half a day’s stock available right now.

This has prompted the SANBS to call for donors to step forward urgently.

“The blood stock in KZN is dangerously low. We don’t have blood that can last for the rest of the day- today. We are currently at 0.9, which is 177 Units of blood and we need all blood groups to boost the stock,” says Sifiso Khoza, regional marketing manager for the South African National Blood Service (SANBS).

The SANBS will be in Dundee on Monday, May 14 at the St James Anglican Church from 1pm to 6:30pm.

“A healthy blood stock in the province is 500 units of blood a day but now we’re down to 177 units right now. As much as we need all blood types, blood group O is in demand as it is universal and can be transferable to all patients in need. The situation is critical. We are appealing to residents – active donors, potential donors and lapsed donors – to help to bolster the regional blood stock,” Mr Khoza added.

“There are many people in life-threatening situations who require blood, right now. It’s the cancer patients who need regular blood supply, it’s the mother giving birth, it’s those who have been in accidents and it’s anyone suffering complications during major surgery.

The Sathya Sai Organisation will also be hosting a special donor drive on Sunday, May 27, from 10am to 3pm at the Dundee Boulevard Centre.

“If you are able to donate blood, please do so as soon as you can. We’d like to thank you in advance for your donation: it’s not just about donating blood, it’s about saving people’s lives,” Mr Khoza concluded.

To find out more about donating blood and to locate your nearest SANBS donor centre in KwaZulu-Natal, visit sanbs.org.za or call 0800 11 90 31.