Win with Blood Donor Month

As June marks Blood Donor Month, science-based company 3M and the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) are encouraging the public to donate blood this month as they have launched a campaign to collect 33.6 million millilitres of blood during June.

To honour this campaign, 3M is donating 70 000 specially designed plasters in support of the challenge. In addition, those who donate blood stand a chance to win weekly hampers.

“All you have to do is take a ‘selfie’ of your arm after donating blood showing a specially designed 3M plaster. Use the image to nominate your friends, family and colleagues to also donate blood and be a 3M ‘selfie’ hero via Facebook and Twitter with #GiveBloodSelfie and win weekly hampers,” said 3M junior product specialist Thabo Ngema.

Blood transfusion has been identified as one of the key life-saving interventions for pregnancy-related complications. The SANBS has dedicated the whole month of June to increase awareness regarding why timely access to safe blood is essential to prevent maternal death.

“Childbirth and other gynaecology complications are among the highest demand for blood daily in the country,” said SANBS spokesperson Vanessa Raju.

As most of the components of blood used for transfusions have a short shelf life, people are encouraged to donate blood this month. “Each person usually donates, if everything is in order, about 480ml of blood. We are hoping to collect 33.6 million millilitres of blood through this campaign,” said Ngema.