Calls for donations as blood stocks dwindle
June is celebrated as Blood Donor Month, with June 14 being World Blood Donor Day.
The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is facing severe blood stock shortages.
The current weather conditions and a higher than usual demand for blood have sent blood stocks plummeting.
SANBS needs to collect 3 500 units of blood a day and is urgently appealing to all potential and existing blood donors that are due to donate, to visit a SANBS blood donation site, to donate their precious unit of blood.
Thandi Mosupye, SANBS senior manager for marketing, communication and brand said with the little blood on hand, this will have a severe impact on the patients who rely on life-saving blood transfusions.
“Whenever our blood stocks reach below three days, it places the lives of patients at risk, especially the lives of haemorrhaging mothers, newborn babies, accident victims, and thousands of other patients in need of a blood transfusion,” Mosupye added.
Each blood donation gives patients a second chance with their loved ones. Another Christmas to remember, summer holiday at the beach and birthday celebration.
To become a blood donor, you must be between the ages of 16 and 75, weigh 50kg or more, be in good health and live a healthy lifestyle.
The SANBS Blood Donor Centre at Southcoast Mall is open Monday – Friday from 09:00 to 17:00 and on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays from 09:00 to 15:00.
For more information visit www.sanbs.org.za or call 0800 11 90 31.
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