Ladysmith donors: Precious blood is needed, as stocks get low

Following a successful run during stage 5 and 4 of the national lockdown, the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) has started to see a decline in their blood stocks. The SANBS is therefore appealing to all donors to continue to donate in order to increase the current blood stock level.

With very little blood available, this will have a severe impact on patients who rely on life-saving transfusions. “Whenever our blood stocks reach below two days, it places the lives of patients at risk. These include haemorrhaging mothers, newborn babies, accident victims, cancer-fighting patients and thousands of others in need of blood transfusions,” said SANBS Chief Marketing Officer Silungile Mlambo.

The SANBS needs to collect 4000 units of blood a day to meet the daily demand. “This is  an urgent call to all who are eligible, willing and able to donate blood to give this gift, as you have consistently done in the months that have passed,” Mlambo pleaded.

Also read: 1 blood donation can save 3 lives

To become a blood donor, you must:

*Be between the age of 16 and 75;

*Weigh 50kg or more;

*Be in good health;

*Lead a healthy lifestyle;

*Consider your blood safe for transfusion to a patient; and

*Commit to donating blood regularly.

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