WHILE the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) usually experiences low blood stocks over the festive season, last year took an upbeat trend with supply averaging between a healthy four to six days.
The Richards Bay Blood Donor Centre enjoyed an influx of new and regular blood donors and maintained a healthy supply as they exceeded their target by a whopping 175 collections.
Centre Supervisor Debbie Duff said donors heeded the call to donate following vigorous media and marketing campaigns encouraging them to bring along a family member or friend to donate.
‘We also distributed promotional items to donors and our mobile clinics continued throughout the festive period as well.
‘Despite the holidays and the schools, tertiary institutions and businesses being closed the public was extremely supportive and helped us maintain a good stock supply.
‘As we kick of the new year, we would like to see many more people committing to becoming regular donors,’ said Duff.