SANBS launches awareness campaign
'We hope this campaign will inspire and encourage the public to include blood donation in their daily lives,'
With just weeks to go until the start of the festive season, the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) has launched an awareness campaign that seeks to drive blood donation in anticipation of the busy holiday season.
SANBS CEO, Ravi Reddy, admitted that this year has seen concerning fluctuations in blood stocks, and expressed hope that donors would help them reach the five days’ stock needed to ensure a sustainable supply for the country.
“Blood donations in South African have always been low, considering that less than 1% of the population actively give blood. Due to Covid-19 and lockdown, the number has declined further in the past 18 months. We hope that this campaign, which presents a new perspective on the need for blood, will drive an increase in donations,” Ravi said.
The awareness campaign commenced on Monday, November 15 and is using a ‘360 approach’ to reach maximum audiences across the country through the use of radio, billboards and the various SANBS social media platforms.
Donating blood literally means saving lives, and according to Ravi the SANBS is grateful to its blood donors, partners and service providers for their continued support through these trying times.
“We hope this campaign will inspire and encourage the public to include blood donation in their daily lives, and to join in this lifesaving mission by becoming committed donors. At a time when we are unable to gather for much else, we can at least join forces for this common cause – giving the gift of life,” Ravi concluded.
To become a blood donor, you must:
• Be between the ages of 16 and 75 years
• Weigh 50kg or more
• Be in good health
• Lead a healthy lifestyle
• Consider your blood safe for transfusion to a patient
If you are looking for a donor centre in the Roodepoort area, feel free to visit the SANBS Donation Centre located at Westgate Shopping Centre or the Beacon Road Donor Centre located at 31 Beacon Road in Florida North.
To find out more about where you can donate blood, visit www.sanbs.org.za or call 0800 11 90 31. You can also feel free to connect on Twitter (@theSANBS), Facebook (@SANBS) and Instagram (@thesanbs).
