A DOWNSWING in blood donations during December has left stocks at a worryingly low level for NPO, the South African National Blood Service (SANBS). As such, it has embarked upon countless blood drives in recent weeks, including one at Seadoone Mall on February 7.

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First-time donor Siphindile Mzobe said that she made the spontaneous decision to donate upon seeing that SANBS were conducting a blood drive.

“I was just walking past and saw them. Everyone made me feel at ease and comfortable giving blood. I know how important my blood can be as one donation can save two lives,” said Siphindile. She encouraged others on the fence about donating blood to take the leap, as it is not only a simple process, but a life-saving one.

Who Can Donate?

• First-time donors must be between 16 and 75 years old.
• Donors must weigh at least 50kg (55kg for platelet donations).
• Donors should be in good health, lead a low-risk lifestyle, and consider their blood safe for transfusion.
• Donors should have eaten within four hours before donating.
• Whole blood may not have been donated in the last 56 days, or platelets/plasma in the last 14 days.

If you would like to donate blood, SANBS set up at Amanzimtoti Methodist Church on the first Friday of every month. Alternatively contact the SANBS call centre on 0800 11 9031, visit the SANBS website or follow SANBS on social media.

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