Locals are urged to answer the South African National Blood Service’s call to donate blood
The campaign ‘Answer the Call’ urges South Africans to roll up their sleeves and help rebuild the nation's blood stocks.
Enthusiasm and smiles filled the South African National Blood Service (Sanbs) tent at Caxton’s premises on March 3.
The visit by the blood service comes after its latest press release that stated that following the festive season, blood collections across the country have decreased, while the need for blood remained constant and critical.
“In response, Sanbs has launched a national blood donation campaign, Answer the Call, urging South Africans to roll up their sleeves and help rebuild the nation’s blood stocks.”
Every day, lives across South Africa depend on the availability of blood. From accident victims and cancer patients to mothers facing childbirth complications, a steady blood supply is essential.
Answer the Call campaign, officially launching on February 11, comes at a time when national blood stock levels have fallen below optimal levels and focuses on strengthening reserves ahead of the Easter holiday period, so that when the call comes, hospitals can continue saving lives every day.
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Who can answer the call?
Sanbs encourages all eligible South Africans to donate blood.
To qualify, donors must:
• Be 16 years or older (with parental consent if under 18)
• Weigh 50kg or more
• Be in good general health
• Lead a low-risk lifestyle
@caxtonjoburgnorth A Sanbs staff member prepares Lulu du Toit to donate blood. Video: Asanda Matlhare #Rosebank #SANBS ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North
The donation process takes approximately 30 minutes, and one donation can save up to three lives, helping accident victims, cancer patients, surgical patients, and mothers experiencing childbirth complications.
What it means to ‘answer the call
Answering the call is simple
• Donate blood at your nearest Sanbs donor centre or blood drive
• Encourage friends, family, and colleagues, including first-time donors to donate
• Donate regularly to help rebuild and maintain a reliable blood buffer.
Locals can visit The Woods Donor Centre to donate blood.
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