Blood stocks are critically low
One donation can save up to three lives.
WHILE we are celebrating this festive season, hospitals are experiencing blood shortages due to critically 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 may yourself need blood.
Collections in the country continue to drop drastically during the festive season, resulting in a daily average of about 1.8 day’s blood being available. This is far less than the five day stock required by the Sanbs to ensure that the country’s demand for safe and adequate blood is met. KwaZulu-Natal is on 1.4 day’s cover. Sanbs needs to collect 3 000 units of blood a day to meet the country’s demand.
This is a plea to all South Africans who meet the minimum requirements to commit to donating blood, especially at this very difficult time. This act of kindness can save up to three lives.
Minimum requirements to be a donor:
• Be between the ages of 16 and 65 years
• Weigh more than 50 kg
• Be in good health
• Live a sexually safe lifestyle
How to find the nearest donor centre?
Contact 0800 11 9031 | www.sanbs.org.za | Facebook.com/SANBS | Twitter @theSANBS
