
SECUNDA – The National South African Blood Service (SANBS) urged people to donate blood as they are critically low on blood stock.
According to Ms Vanessa Raju, SANBS communications manager, hospitals are also experiencing blood shortages because of dangerous low blood stock levels.
“This means that you could be at risk of losing a loved one who might need a lifesaving blood transfusion or you might yourself need a blood transfusion, should there not be adequate blood available.
“Without your donated blood, many patients are in danger of losing their lives,” said Ms Raju.
Collections in the country continue to drop drastically during the festive season, resulting in a daily average of about three days of blood being available.
“This is far less than the five day stock required to be collected by the SANBS to ensure that the country’s demand for safe and adequate blood is met.
“We need to collect 3 000 units of blood daily to meet the country’s demand,” said Ms Raju.
If you are between the ages of 16 and 65 years old, weigh more than 50kg, are in good health and live a sexually safe lifestyle, consider saving a life by donating blood.
Contact Teksa Blood Service at 017 631 6606 or visit them in Horwood Street.
You can even donate blood while you are on holiday.
Visit SANB’s website at www.sanbs.org.za to see where the nearest blood service is.
Follow SANBS on Facebook or on Twitter @theSANBS.