See red in the month of love
Save a life this Valentine's month by donating a pint or two.
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FEBRUARY is the month of love and the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) urges the community to see red this month by donating blood.
SANBS encourages all eligible donors to commit to donating blood at least four times a year. As a gesture to say ‘thank you’, SANBS has a special gift for those who donate four units in a calendar year.
Vanessa Raju (communications manager at the SANBS) said that, with schools and universities all back to usual operation, SANBS is able to maintain a good blood stock level especially with the help of donors.
“However we know that this can change on any given day if our daily collection of 3 000 units is not met,”s aid Ms Raju.
“All blood groups are very important. However Group O is often in short supply. The demand for this blood type is much higher as it can be used for patients of all other blood groups.”
People belonging to the blood groups A and AB, should consider becoming platelet donors.
Platelets play a vital role in blood clotting and prevention of excess blood loss. Platelet donation is a simple process that takes about one and a half hours to complete. The blood is processed through a cell separator, which retains the platelets and returns the other blood components to the donor’s system. This procedure enables people to donate platelets every month. In order to become a blood donor you must weigh at least 50kg, be between the ages of 16 to 65, lead a safe sexual lifestyle, be in general good health and consider your blood safe for transfusion to a patient.
To find the nearest donor centre phone 0800 119031/www.sanbs.org.za/facebook.com/SANBS.
