Randfontein helps current blood shortage
'A shortage in blood hinders our ability to save hundreds'
The call for blood issued by the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) has been answered in Randfontein.
The SANBS visited the Greenhills Circle in Randfontein to collect as much blood as they could as a result of the current blood shortage. They were at the Circle on 1 and 2 October and again on 8 and 9 October.
When the Herald arrived, SANBS staff were manning their stations to ensure yet another successful bleed.
According to staff at the time of the visit, many feet went through their mobile tent, especially on the two Saturdays. The Sundays, however, were a bit slow.
It has been said that the SANBS has less than two days of blood supply left which makes current blood donation of the utmost importance.
Blood stocks are critically low. Find your nearest donor centre here https://t.co/H6YW1PwMAz or call us on 0800 11 90 31 pic.twitter.com/5lIX09U0W8
— The SANBS (@theSANBS) September 28, 2016
The current blood shortage has been attributed to the recent protest action at universities which has disrupted scheduled blood drives, as well as to preparations for end-of-year exams.
According to the SANBS, 40 universities and schools yield approximately 40 per cent of the blood collected annually.
The service is now appealing to members of the public who are due for their regular donation to visit the nearest donor centre as soon as possible.
“A shortage of blood hinders our ability to save hundreds of lives daily, because without an adequate supply, essential treatment for various patients cannot occur,” said Vanessa Raju, a SANBS spokesperson.
The SANBS needs to collect approximately 3 000 units of blood daily to keep blood levels above the two-day mark.
To find the nearest donor centre or mobile centre, visit www.sanbs.org.za or call the SANBS toll-free on 0800 11 90 31.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 693 3671.
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