SANBS pumping up their efforts for Mandela Day

IN support of upcoming Nelson Mandela Day, the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is appealing to all South Africans to honour the late Mandela’s legacy and give the gift of life – blood.

Nelson Mandela Day is a philanthropic occasion that challenges people the world over and reminds them that it is “time to serve” and not just on July 18. This would instil in blood donors a culture of making a difference throughout the year by donating blood regularly.

Although SANBS currently collects over one million units of blood annually at its 87 fixed donor centres and through daily blood drives managed by 100 mobile teams, there are instances when we fall short of the 3000 units of blood required to meet daily demand and this greatly impacts on the lives of patients.

Blood reserves are usually low in July and since it is Nelson Mandela Day we would like to inspire the public to choose blood donations as their continued acts of kindness.

“There is no better way to honour the life and spirit of a man who epitomised the precious value of life than to donate blood and save the lives of accident victims, mothers in labour, cancer patients and thousands of others,” Vanessa Raju, national communications manager at the SANBS.

Each unit of blood is separated into red blood cells, platelets and plasma and depending on medical needs, these products are estimated to benefit three patients daily.

Residents of Mokopane can donate blood at the blood bank in the Mokopane Mall.