SANBS is appealing to public to donate blood
South Africans are encouraged to donate blood as SANBS runs low on blood stock putting lives in danger.
The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) appealed to its donors to please donate blood as it was facing seriously low blood stock shortages.
“We urgently need to collect 3 500 units of blood a day,” said SANBS spokesperson Khensani Mahlangu.
“Whenever blood stocks dip below three days, it places patients’ lives at risk.”
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Haemorrhaging mothers, newborn babies, accident victims, cancer-fighting patients and thousands of others were at risk.
“We are urgently appealing to all potential and existing blood donors willing to donate to visit a donor site to give their unit of blood.
Mahlangu said they were struggling to meet minimum collection targets due to low donor turnouts at our donor centres and mobile blood drives.
“Also, there has been an increase in the demand for blood and we are issuing more blood than normal to the hospitals.”
He also appealed to the public to make venues available for blood drives.
Suitable venues include spaces accessible and open to the public.
Azasakhe Mjilana (20) is a student at the Tshwane University of Technology, who has been regularly donating blood for three years through the SANBS. She encouraged more people to do so as well.
“I donate blood because it is one way that I can give back and make an impact. Many people need blood and that is why I donate,” she said.
“My experience at SANBS has been a good one. They’re kind and patient with me, especially because I am afraid of needles. They give you two cookies and a juice box when donating to give you some energy. I’ve also been given iron tablets after donating. They make sure that you are okay.”
To be a donor, the following criteria are followed:
– Must be between the age of 16 and 75 years.- Weigh 50kg or more.- Lead a healthy lifestyle- Consider your blood safe for transfusion to a patient- Commit to donating blood regularly
Residents can visit the below donor centres in Pretoria:
– Hatfield Donor Center at the Hatfield Plaza- Sammy Marks Square Donor Center at Sammy Marks Square- Atterbury Value Mart Donor Center at Atterbury Value Mart- Kolonnade Blood Donation Center at Kolonnade shopping centre- Wonderpark Donor Center at the Wonderpark shopping centre
To find a donor centre near you or if you would like to host a blood drive, visit https://sanbs.org.za/donor-centres to find out more.
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