Support blood service and give the gift of life

SECUNDA – The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) launched the Change a Life campaign in November to educate donors about platelet donation.

“Platelet donors are crucial in helping us to provide much-needed products for the treatment of patients with blood disorders, cancer and organ recipients,” said Thandi Mosupye, Senior Manager of Marketing and Communications at the SANBS.

“Patients undergoing cancer treatment are highly dependent on regular platelet donations as part of their recovery.”

She said blood stocks fluctuate throughout the year and as people enter the festive season, the SANBS wants to remind the community of the importance of donating blood to help in keeping blood stocks at safe levels.

“Although the festive season is fun for most people, it is a difficult period for patients who need blood and blood products to lead regular lives,” said Mosupye.

“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.”

To support the Change a Life campaign, the management team of the SANBS, challenged people who are part of blood groups O and B to donate a unit of blood before going on holiday.

“We nationally need to collect at least 3 500 units of blood daily to maintain safe stock levels.

“We approach this season with stocks being lower than we’d like and we could have some tough times ahead if donors do not respond to our call to lend a hand,” said Mosupye.

Visit the SANBS’ Teksa branch in Secunda in Horwood Street or contact them at 017 631 1652 or visit the branch in Bethal near the Spar or contact them at 017 647 5598.

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