DOWN to less than a third of the required blood stock, the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) urge people to step forward and save the day for many patients in need of the life source.
Instead of reaching its goal blood level of five to seven days’ supply, levels have dropped to a distressing two to one days’ supply on Wednesday, as shown on the SANBS’s frequently updated website.
As schools are closed and many families have gone on holiday, the roads are a lot busier.
This unfortunately means road accidents have increased and subsequently raised the demand for blood.
And when the demand is higher than the supply, the SANBS becomes desperate.
SANBS representative Debbie Duff urged community members to take a mere 20 minutes out of their day to visit their nearest Donation Clinic and to bring a friend with them.
By donating one unit of blood, a person can save up to three lives. By donating four times a year, up to 12 lives can be saved.
Minimum requirements
Donors must be between the ages of 16 and 65 years.
They must also weigh more than 50kgs; be in good health and live a sexually safe lifestyle.
Local Donation Dates and Times for April 2014
· Thursday, 3: Richards Bay Christian School 9am to 1pm
· Friday, 4: LAC Mall 10am to 6pm
· Sunday, 6: Boardwalk Mall (in front of ‘House and Home’/ ‘Pick n Pay’) 9am to 3pm
· Monday, 7: Mtunzini Town Hall 2pm to 6pm
· Tuesday, 8: Mondi Felixton 10am to 3pm
· Wednesday, 9: John Ross College 9am to 2.30pm
· Thursday, 10: Empangeni Library Hall 10am to 6pm (the Donor Centre is open 9am to 6pm)
· Monday, 14: RBay High School 9am to 2pm
· Tuesday, 15: Isandlwana High School 9am to 2pm
· Wednesday, 16: ZAC Mine 9am to 3pm
· Thursday, 17: Bell Equipment 9am to 3pm
· Tuesday, 22 Empangeni High 9am to 2pm
· Wednesday, 23: Hluhluwe Rugby Club 12pm to 6pm
· Thursday, 24: Tisand High School 9am to 2pm
· Friday, 25: RBay Secondary 9am to 2pm
· Tuesday, 29: Empangeni Garden Clinic 10am to 2pm
· Wednesday, 30: Mtubatuba Rugby Club 10.30am to 3.30pm
Note, the Donor Centre will be closed on public holidays and Sundays.
