SANBS urges donors to donate as blood stocks come under pressure
If you are eligible to donate, now is the time to step forward and give blood.
The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is calling on eligible South Africans to donate blood, amid declining national blood stocks.
SANBS aims to maintain a five-day blood supply to ensure hospitals have access to blood when patients need it.
To meet daily demand, SANBS needs to collect 3500 units of blood each day. However, current collections are falling short of this target, placing continued pressure on the national blood supply.
Several factors are contributing to lower collections, including fewer blood drives at schools and universities during the examination period and competing demands on donors’ time. However, addressing the current need requires more than regular donors alone.
SANBS is calling on three groups to step forward: donors who are due to donate, people who have never donated before, and lapsed donors who are able to return to donating.
While students are understandably focused on their examinations, the need for blood continues every day. Mothers give birth, patients undergo surgery, accident and trauma victims require emergency care, and people receiving ongoing treatment depend on a safe and sufficient supply of blood.
SANBS is particularly encouraging O and B blood group donors who are due to donate to come forward, as these groups contribute significantly to the stability of the national blood supply:
• O negative is the universal blood type used in emergencies.
• Group B contributes significantly to maintaining balanced stock for specific patient groups.
However, SANBS emphasises that all blood groups are welcome and needed.
The need continues. Lives cannot wait. If you are eligible to donate, now is the time to step forward and give blood.
Visit your nearest SANBS donor centre or blood drive and donate.
For more information or to find your nearest donor centre or mobile blood drive, contact the SANBS toll-free line on 0800 11 90 31 or visit www.sanbs.org.za
Be the Lifeline. Donate today.
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