Blood bank calls for donor support

DESPITE efforts by the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) to call on donors to help improve its stocks, levels remain at a critical low of 2.7 days.

Covid-19 restrictions severely limited the blood bank’s ability to collect adequate blood stocks, especially as they were not able to access schools, colleges and corporates for blood drives, leaving them unable to meet their daily requirement of a five-day supply on hand.

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While there has been an extraordinary response from regular donors, shortages are still being experienced owing to the scarcity of mobile blood drive venues.

SANBS Chief Operations Officer, Ravi Reddy, said they are doing their best to maintain adequate blood stock levels to service the needs of the country.

‘The high demand for blood requires that we work even harder together to ensure that no lives are lost because of blood shortages.

‘While some South Africans may not be able to donate, they can assist us by encouraging their networks of friends, families and colleagues who are able to donate blood to support our efforts,’ said Reddy.

If you would like to donate blood, visit the Richards Bay Blood Donor Centre at the Boardwalk Inkwazi Shopping Centre.

Contact them on 035 7893610.

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