Following the festive season, blood collections across the country have decreased, while the need for blood has remained constant and critical. In response, the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) has launched a national blood donation campaign, Answer the Call, urging South Africans to roll up their sleeves and help rebuild the nation’s blood stocks.

Residents of Parys can support the campaign launched locally in partnership with Rotary Parys, on Tuesday, March 10 at the Reformed Church Hall C/O Loop and Paulsen Street. The aim is to collect 50 units on the day between 13:00 and 19:00.

Why the urgent need for blood?

Every day, lives across South Africa depend on the availability of blood. From accident victims and cancer patients to mothers facing childbirth complications, a steady blood supply is essential.

Answer the Call

Answer the Call is more than a campaign, it’s a moment we all recognise. That moment when a phone rings and you pause, wondering whether to answer. This time, it’s worth picking up.

Because that call could help save a loved one, a friend, or someone else’s family member. A small act, done regularly, keeps the healthcare system moving when it matters most.

“While many South Africans were travelling, resting, and enjoying a break over the festive season, emergencies didn’t take time off. Road accidents, medical procedures, and life-saving treatments all rely on a stable blood supply said Monique Schreiner, Senior Manager: Donor Relations.

Who Can Answer the Call?

SANBS encourages all eligible South Africans to donate blood. To qualify, donors must:
• Be 16 years or older (with parental consent if under 18)
• Weigh 50kg or more
• Be in good general health
• Lead a low-risk lifestyle

The donation process takes approximately 30 minutes, and one donation can save up to three lives – helping accident victims, cancer patients, surgical patients, and mothers experiencing childbirth complications.

About SANBS

The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is an independent non-profit organisation and a leader in blood transfusion. SANBS operates in eight of the nine provinces in South Africa (except

for the Western Cape, which is serviced by the Western Cape Blood Service) and provides crucial
support to countries in the SADC region.

The organisation prides itself on being the lifeblood of South Africa’s healthcare system, providing over one million world-class blood products. This pedigree comes from world-class testing and collection protocols, ensuring that the transfused blood is always of the highest quality. SANBS operates a vast network of donation sites, including more than 70 fixed centres and over 100
mobile collection sites daily.