Be a love and donate blood
February is the month of love, shared amongst people in a romantic nature but at the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) they celebrate this love every month.
SOUTH OF JOHANNESBURG AND ALBERTON – With your unselfish act of donating blood and sharing the love of the human race, you can make a difference to the lives of patients you may never know.
They encourage all eligible donors to share their liquid love this month and commit to donating blood a minimum of four times a year. “It’s not too late to make this your resolution for 2014. As a gesture to say ‘thank you’ we have a special gift for those who donate four units in a calendar year.
With schools, universities and organisations all back to usual operation we are able to maintain a good blood stock level especially with the help of donors. However, we know that this can change on any given day if our daily collection of 3 000 units is not met,” says Vanessa Raju, Communications Manager at the SANBS.
All blood groups are very important. However Group O is the group that is often in short supply. The demand for this is much higher as it can be used for patients of all other blood groups.
If you belong to the blood groups A and AB, why not consider becoming a platelet donor. You can find out more from our staff at your local blood drive or donor centre.
Alberton Donor Centre, corner Langenhoven and Jacqueline streets, Alberton. Times : Monday and Thursday : 08:30 to 19:00; Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday : 08:30 to 16:30; Saturday: 08:30 to 13:00.
Southdale Donor Centre at Southdale Shopping Centre, corner Alamein and Landsborough roads, Southdale. Times : Monday 13:00 to 16:30; Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 08:30 to 16:30; Wednesday 08:30 to 18:00; Saturday 08:30 to 14:00.
What are platelets?
Platelets play a vital role in blood clotting and prevention of excess blood loss. Platelet donation is a simple process that takes about one and a half hours to complete. The blood is processed through a cell separator, which retains the platelets and returns the other blood components to the donor’s system. This procedure enables people to donate platelets every month.
In order to become a blood donor you must:
* Weigh at least 50kg
* Be between the ages of 16-65
* Lead a safe sexual lifestyle
* Be in general good health; and
* Consider your blood safe for transfusion to a patient.
If you wish to find out more on where to donate and more on becoming a donor, please do not hesitate to call us on 0800 11 90 31 or email: customerservice@sanbs.org.za or visit us on : www.sanbs.org.za
