SANBS needs about 3 500 units of blood per day
SANBS encourages people with group O and B to come and donate blood.
The SA national blood service (SANBS) has urged South Africans to donate blood before they leave for the holidays.
This is crucial for the SANBS to keep its blood stock at a satisfactory level throughout December.
Senior marketing and communications manager Thandi Mosupye told Rekord that it was difficult to keep stock of the blood levels as it fluctuates throughout the year.
“A large portion of our blood products are used to treat patients with chronic illnesses. With December traditionally yielding low collections, this could threaten peoples’ ability to enjoy their holidays should we not have the required blood products on hand when needed,” Mosupye said.
She said for the organisation to be able to deal with the shortage of blood, it needed to have a number of people who fall under the blood type group O and B to come to donate at least a unit before they depart for their holiday destinations.
“We need to collect a minimum of 3 500 units of blood daily to maintain safe stock levels. We are approaching this season with stocks being lower than we’d like and we could have some tough times ahead,” Mosupye added.
She said that if residents do not answer the call, the agency might run out of blood. Mosupye said five days of blood stock was needed for predictable blood availability.
“SANBS is calling on all donors who are due for donation to spare some time out of their day and give the gift of life. Each unit of blood goes a long way towards ensuring that those reliant on blood donations get to spend time with their families too.”
The organisation invited all willing and eligible donors to visit their nearest mobile or fixed donor centre.
“With the help of donors, SANBS has been able to carry out the important task of collecting blood to meet South Africa’s needs. Each unit of blood will give a needed boost to blood collections ahead of the busiest part of the holidays.”
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