Donate blood and save lives
SANBS is urging local residents to urgently donate blood as the blood supply is critically low.
The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) has announced that it is facing severe blood stock shortages. This is because of the current weather conditions, and a higher-than-usual demand for blood.
The SANBS needs to maintain a blood stock level of 5 days for each blood group to ensure sustained blood availability for patients in need.
Thandi Mosupye, SANBS senior manager, of marketing communication and brand said with the little blood available on hand, there’s a high risk as patients rely on life-saving blood transfusions.
SANBS needs to collect 3 500 units of blood a day and is urgently appealing to all potential and existing blood donors that are due to donate, to visit a SANBS blood donation site, to donate their precious unit of blood.
“Whenever our blood stocks reach below three days, it places the lives of patients at risk. The lives of haemorrhaging mothers, newborn babies, accident victims, and thousands of other patients in need of a blood transfusion,” said Mosupye.
A unit of blood donation gives patients a second chance with their loved ones. It gives them a chance to see another Christmas remember, another summer holiday at the beach, and another birthday celebration.
To become a blood donor, you must:
- Be between the ages of 16 and 75 years
- Weigh 50kg or more
- Be in good health
- Lead a healthy lifestyle
- Consider your blood safe for transfusion to a patient
- Commit to donating blood regularly
