THE voluntary efforts of millions of people worldwide who donate blood on a regular basis have been highlighted today as the world celebrates World Blood Donor Day.
This year’s theme of ‘blood connects us all’ is another reminder of the importance of blood donation as one unit (480ml) can save three lives.
In the face of major communicable disease epidemics SA has maintained a high degree of blood safety and a reliable supply of blood countrywide.
This is largely because of good blood service management, reliance on unpaid voluntary donors, universal testing of donated blood and reduction of unnecessary transfusions.
‘I come from a family of blood donors. I started donating blood when I was 16 years of age while still in high school,’ said ER24 Branch Manager Derrick Banks.
‘I know giving blood is not for everybody but taking not even 30 minutes out of your day could help those in need.’
There are certain requirements for those wanting to donate blood. Donors must be between the ages of 16 and 65, be a minimum weight of 50kg, be in good health and live a sexually safe lifestyle.
A health questionnaire will be given to you and the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) blood bank personnel will guide you through the process.
It is vital to be completely honest when answering the questionnaire.
