Springs herOes step up to save lives
Springs 'herOes' answer South African National Blood Service (SANBS) call, painting the town red with their generous blood donation on Saturday.
Springsites joined the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) blood donation challenge on Saturday, painting the town red at Springs Mall.
These ‘herOes’ answered SANBS’s call amid a shortage of blood group O supplies, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to saving lives.
Blood group O is referred to as the universal blood type, as it can be transfused to all patients in an emergency, regardless of their blood type, thus saving valuable time.
Terrance Pillay, donor relations practitioner, explains that an ample supply of group O blood is not only vital in treating patients during medical emergencies but is used to save the lives of newborn babies.
“Babies born with blood disorders may require an immediate blood transfusion to save their lives. Difficulties may occur in determining the blood group of infants and therefore access to O-blood can play a crucial role in saving their lives,” he said.
Pillay said that due to their delicate immune systems, babies also need ‘fresher’ blood than other patients. While red blood cells stored up to 42 days can be transfused to most adult patients, only blood less than five days old may be given to newborn patients.
If you weigh over 50kg, are between 16 and 75 years old and lead a healthy lifestyle, you can donate blood. Springs Mall SANBS will be having a collection drive from December 14 to 16.
The campaign aims to collectively achieve at least 5000 units of blood to alleviate the added pressure on the blood supply throughout the festive season.
Red Saturday is focused on also raising awareness about the importance of regular blood donations, encouraging first-time donors to make a lifelong practice and educating the public on the reciprocal benefits of giving blood.
For more information, call 011 897 4930 or visit the donor centre, Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 18:00 or on weekends from 09:00 to 15:00.
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